Record 1,500 players as East African Badminton Challenge serves off at Lugogo

The eighth edition of the East African Badminton Challenge has started at the Lugogo Indoor Arena, attracting a record number of participants, including a Chinese team competing for the first time.

The five-day tournament has attracted more than 1,500 players competing in various categories, ranging from under-nine to under-19 boys and girls, alongside professional players, national teams, veterans and coaches. The competition will run until Sunday.

Speaking at the throw-off of the tournament, also known as the City Tyres-Linglong Badminton Challenge, City Tyres head of marketing Herbert Bashasha praised the participating schools and national teams, particularly Badminton Uganda, for sustaining the competition over the years.

Bashasha said the tournament had played a significant role in identifying and nurturing talented players who have gone on to represent Uganda at various levels.

"We thank the Indian Association of Uganda for bringing together many companies to sponsor the tournament and for supporting the competition. We also thank Badminton Uganda, especially the CEO, Simon Mugabi, for promoting badminton," Bashasha said.

He expressed pride in City Tyres and Linglong's continued sponsorship of the tournament, noting that it had grown from an event that initially attracted about 200 participants to one that now draws more than 1,500 players.

"Through Linglong's support, the tournament has continued to grow, and many Ugandan players have achieved rankings on the African continent," Bashasha said at the launch of the eighth edition.

He confirmed that winners in the various age categories and national team competitions would receive trophies, while professional players would compete for cash prizes that vary according to the different categories and levels.

More than 100 trophies are up for grabs, alongside special prizes for lucky-draw winners. Seven mountain bikes, courtesy of Speed Gear, and other prizes will be awarded during the draw.

All participating players will receive coupons for entry into the final draw for the prizes.

The national teams expected to compete are Uganda, India, Kenya and China.

Badminton Uganda president Annet Nakamya thanked City Tyres and Linglong for sponsoring the tournament, which also features competitions for veterans and coaches.

"This tournament is the start of producing badminton stars in Uganda," Nakamya said.

The junior competitions will take place during the day, while adult players will compete in the evening, with matches scheduled to run until 10:00 pm.