Africa’s top badminton player Edwin Ekiring, is on a marathon to qualify for the summer Olympics in July this year in London and his quest for that starts with the Thomas Uber Cup that got underway today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Ekiring is part of Uganda’s team that is playing in the tournament in the horn of Africa, which is an
African qualifier for the Olympics other members on the Ugandan team include Wilson Tukire,Brian Ssuna and Daniel Mihigo. The women’s team has Shamim Bangi,Margaret Nankabirwa, Rose Nakalya together with Daisy Nakalyango.
“I have a tight schedule and it starts with the Thomas Uber Cup and then I have the Dutch Badminton Championship on February 25 as I try to help my club reach the finals of the European Badminton Championship later in June,” Ekiring said recently. “I strongly believe I will qualify for the Olympics as its a prime target for me.”
The All Africa games badminton silver medalist will be going for history as he seeks to become the first black player to play at the European badminton championship finals in Hungary in June.
“It’s a honour to be in the position that I am and I want to make history with my club,” the Holland based player stated. “It’s a tall order, but me and my club-mates are ready for the task ahead and we can win it.”
Ekiring plays for top Dutch badminton side Amersfoort in Amsterdam. In between he will be playing BWF ranking tournaments on the European and world circuit to improve his rankings globally and at the same time seek to qualify for the summer Olympics in June.