Fourteen countries have arrived in Abia State for the first International Para-Badminton Championship and the All-African Badminton Championship taking place in Umuahia, the state capital.
The countries include Brazil, India, Peru, Cameroon, Benin Republic, Tunisia, Mauritius, Rwanda, Egypt and Zimbabwe, among others.
The Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwobilor Ananaba, confirmed this on Sunday while speaking to journalists on preparations for the two events, which will hold in Umuahia from September 30 to October 12, 2025.
The commissioner, represented by the Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Sports, Mr Raymond Chima Ukwa, said the state government is ready to host the international community, with 150 international players and 60 officials expected to participate.
He noted that an equitable playing field with best nats and playing mats had been installed for the games, adding that the Abia State government would ensure a safe and conducive environment for all players and officials.
Also speaking, the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr Francis Orbih, assured that arrangements had been concluded to ensure the success of the International Para-Badminton Championship, thanking Governor Otti for hosting the world.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Badminton Confederation Africa, BCA, Jeff Shigoli, and the Head of Operations and Badminton World Federation International Classifier, Dr Ahmed Reda, also commended the efforts, noting that Nigeria is the third African country to host para activities.