Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori and Nour Ahmed Youssri are the champions in the men’s and women’s singles respectively of the All Africa Individual Badminton Championship.
The Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) sanctioned championship climaxed at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium in the Ugandan capital Kampala on Sunday.
Nigeria’s Opeyori, the second seeded player in the draw defeated Uganda’s Brian Kasirye 21-14, 23-21 in the final that lasted 45 minutes. The Olympian told Sports News Africa that after a difficult start in the event, he is very happy to win this big event.
He said although Nigeria did not participate in the team event of the Championship, he is glad he made the trip to Uganda and emerged champion in the men’s singles.
In the women’s singles which was an all Egyptian affair Nour Ahmed Youssri defeated the top seed Doha Hany 21-16, 21-16.
In the other categories the Algerian pair of Koceila Mammeri and Youcef Sabri Medal emerged champions of the men’s doubles, while the Mauritius pair of Lorna Bodha and Kobita Dookhee lifted the women’s doubles title.
Algeria’s Koceila Mammeri was a winner again when he partnered with Tanina Violette Mammeri to win the mixed doubles gold medal.
Algeria and Egypt who won gold in the team event of the men and women’s categories a few days ago automatically qualified to represent Africa in the Thomas and Uber Cup finals respectively, which are due to be held in Thailand's capital Bangkok in May.
Annet Nakamya, President of the Uganda Badminton Association (UBA) thanks all the players for taking part in this big event on the calendar.
She praised the Uganda women’s team that won silver in the team event and the other players who excelled in the individual events.
