Africa’s number one Badminton Player Edwin Ekiring believes he can qualify for the London Olympics despite his standing in Badminton’s world rankings. Currently ranked 101th, Ekiring was dismissed from the Peru and Dutch open champions Olympic qualifiers after registering in both. Both tournaments were scheduled for April 12-25 but failed to pull out of at least one into the dismissal from both.
But will have a chance at the Tahiti Open late next month to accumulate points that will keep him in the running for a slot at the London games. It is likely Ekiring will be selected to represent Uganda in next year’s games by virtue of being Africa’s number one top seed. “I believe I can do it and training has been going well,” the 25 year old told kawowo sports.
“In the past I have had a number of tough draws in tournaments, which has made my performance look ordinary, but I have been playing well,” he added. If Ekiring fails to muscle his way in the top 100, he will be able to qualify for London by maintain his position as Africa’s top seed.
“Olympics is every sportsman’s dream, having been there four years I am sure will be able to perform because I won’t be nervous like the first time,” said Ekiring. The All Africa games silver medallist last year in Maputo became the first Sub Saharan African alongside Zimbabwean Eli Mambwe to compete at the Olympics four years in Beijing.