SCSA props badminton

May 01, 2001

BADMINTON will for the first time feature at the All Africa Games in Abuja, Nigeria in 2003.

By Peter Ekarot BADMINTON will for the first time feature at the All Africa Games in Abuja, Nigeria in 2003. Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA) last week belatedly approved badminton and squash as new sports of the All Africa Games. This gives Uganda, a regional power in both sports, more chances of medal glory. International Badminton Federation vice president Ugandan Dr James Sekajugo has been leading the crusade to put the game at a higher level on the continent for the last decade. "It has been a big battle and taken a long time, but I am happy to know that my efforts have finally come to reality," said Sekajugo also Uganda Badminton Association boss. Sekajugo, also SCSA medical commission boss, launched the badminton campaign while still president of Africa Badminton Federation. SCSA secretary general Dr Awoture Eleyae, confirmed to the BBC on Monday that badminton and squash had been admitted and will feature at the 8th games. Eleyae said chess was also being considered and studies are being made. Uganda Squash Rackets Association secretary Simon Kajubu said: "I am thrilled. That is good news for Africa." This brings to 23 the number of disciplines at the games. Others are: athletics, basketball, boxing, cycling, diving, soccer, gymnastics, handball, hockey, judo, karate, netball, rugby, shooting, soccer, swimming, tennis, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling. Ends

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