Para-Olympian Asiimwe’s bold journey to Paris 2024 Games

Uganda and Africa’s number one Para female Badminton player Ritah Asiimwe is determined to make the grade for the long-awaited Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France.

Asiimwe looks at a crowded 2023 international calendar as a platform to secure the much needed qualification points.

Out of the 17 events therein, Asiimwe who is currently the world’s 17^th on the global ranking needs at least six events to compete in.

Such a journey necessitates resources (equipment, kits and finances) to assist in the thorough preparations as she vies to qualify to the Para-Olympics for the second time in a row following the Tokyo Games in Japan (2022).

I humbly appeal to the Government of Uganda, the fraternity in the Badminton circles, corporate organizations, private investors and other well-wishes to help me in the journey as I try to qualify for the Para-Olympic Games in 2024 (Paris, France). It takes a lot from training, having the right diety, securing air tickets, booking fees, participation fees, upkeep and accommodation to prepare for such tournaments spread throughout the different corners of the world.

Ritah Asiimwe, Para female Badminton player

The upcoming international events:

In February, there is the Spanish Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 2).

This will be followed by the Iberdrola Spanish Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 1) in March.

In April, there will be the Brazil Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 2).

May:

In the month of May, there will be the Thailand Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 2) and the Bahrain Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 2).

June:

Focus will then switch to the Canada Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 1) in June.

July:

Africa’s only international tournaments will be hosted by Uganda (Kampala city) in July 2023 for the Uganda Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 3), followed by the Africa Para Badminton Championship 2023.

August:

In August 2023, there will be the 4 Nations Para Badminton International 2023 – England (Level 1) and European Para Games 2023 – Netherlands (Para Badminton Multi Sport Games).

September:

September has two events; the Indonesia Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 3) and the Oceania Para Badminton Championship2 2023 in Austria.

October:

In October 2023, there will be the Western Australia Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 2) and Asian Para Games 2023 in China (Para Badminton Multi Sport Games).

November:

In November 2023, there will be the Japan Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 2) and the Parapan Am Games 2023 in China (Para Badminton Multi Sport Games).

December:

The final month of the year in 2023 (December) will have the Dubai Para Badminton International 2022 in the United Arab Emirates (Level 2).

2023 International Calendar:

February:

• Spanish Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 2)

March:

• Iberdrola Spanish Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 1)

April:

• Brazil Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 2)

May:

• Thailand Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 2)
• Bahrain Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 2)

June:

• Canada Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 1)

July:

• Uganda Para Badminton International 2023 (Level 3)
• Africa Para Badminton Championship 2023

August:

• 4 Nations Para Badminton International 2023 – England (Level 1)
• European Para Games 2023 – Netherlands (Para Badminton Multi Sport Games)

September:

• Indonesia Para Badminton International 2023 – Indonesia (Level 3)
• Oceania Para Badminton Championship2 2023 – Austria

October:

• Western Australia Para Badminton International 2023 – Australia (Level 2)
• Asian Para Games 2023 – China (Para Badminton Multi Sport Games)

November:

• Japan Para Badminton International 2023 – Japan (Level 2)
• Parapan Am Games 2023 – China (Para Badminton Multi Sport Games)

December:

• Dubai Para Badminton International 2022 – United Arab Emirates (Level 2)