The 9th edition of Uganda International Badminton Tourney climaxed over the weekend at MTN Arena. Ugandan players had poor performances in all the 7 categories vied compared to passed editions.
Awor Brenda(U19 Girls singles), Gloria Najouka and Nakalyango Daisy(women doubles) were the best performers on the Ugandan side, finishing semifinalists in their respective categories.
Wilson Tukire was eliminated in 2nd round in men’s singles. “I agree we did poorly this year”. coach Simon Mugabi told Kawowo Sports. Mugabi said that, local players used to train with Nylon made shuttles yet Feather shuttles were the ones used at the event, hence the poor record. “Feather shuttles are always used at international events like this one.” “But it is unfortunate that local players haven’t used them before, because they are very expensive compared to Nylon shuttles”. Said a concerned Mugabi.
Herbert Ho, another official from the Uganda Badminton federation also told Kawowo Sports that lack of experience was another thorn to local players compared to their counterparts who are used to such international events.
“International players have played many big events like this one and gained good experience unlike ours”. Ho who acted as the overall referee of Uganda International event said. However, Herbert Ho praised the level of organization of this year’s tournament saying it was great. “This year’s event was great compared to former events.” Ho said.
The event attracted over 300 players from 13 countries across the wold. These included hosts Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Botswana, Egypt, Zambia, India and Sri Lanka. Others also included Malaysia, Algeria, Tanzania and Austria.
Sri Lanka’s Dinuka Karunaratne defended the men’s singles trophy after beating South Africa’s Jacob Maliekal 2-0 (21-12,21-15) in a highly supported game. Ola Fagbemi and Adesokan Dorcus Ajoke beat fellow Nigerian nationals, Abah Enejoh and Atolagbe Tosin Damilola, 2-1 (15-21,21-10,21-18) in the mixed doubles finals.
Atolagbe Tosin Damilola and Azeez Fatima came a set down to win fellow compatriots (Ajoke Dorcus Adesokan and Ebhomien Augustina) 2-1{14-21,21-9,21-12) in the women doubles finals.
In the U19 boys singles, Nigerian Belo Habeeb Temitope who beat Ugandan Derrick Odoch at the round of two, needed a 2-1 (21-17,17-21,21-11) win over Algerian Medel Youcef Sabri to win this category.
Dorcus Ajoke Adesokan from Nigeria beat Augustina Ebhomien (also from Nigeria) 2-0 (21-15,21-20) to lift the U19 girls singles trophy.