Abia to Host First Para-Badminton International Championship and All-African Para-Badminton Championship

Abia State is set to make history as it hosts two major para-badminton events in Umuahia between September 30 and October 12, 2025.

The First Abia Para-Badminton International Championship will take place from September 30 to October 5, attracting 224 players from about 20 countries, including India, Brazil, Peru, and Rwanda. This will be followed by the All-African Para-Badminton Championship from October 6 to 12, approved by the Badminton World Federation and the Badminton Confederation of Africa.

Unveiling the championships on Tuesday, Abia State Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, who also chairs the Main Organising Committee, described the double event as a defining moment in the state’s sports history. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to respecting and supporting athletes of all abilities.

Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, assured that robust security measures had been put in place for the safety of both national and international players and officials. Security coverage will extend from the airports to hotels and competition venues.

Ananaba also disclosed that Governor Alex Otti had taken steps to ensure the events’ success, including securing the state, purchasing a specialised mobility bus for para-athletes, releasing funds, and procuring para-badminton maintenance equipment.

The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, confirmed the championships had received full approval from relevant international bodies.

India and Nigeria will present the largest contingents, with 58 and 54 players respectively, highlighting the scale of participation and competition expected.