2014:Badminton had little to show

By David Namunyala

Uganda Badminton Association (UBA) left a lot to be desired this year as compared to the previous season.

In 2013, events were overwhelming and sometimes activities clashed in dates but the 2014 season was the exact opposite.

Major events on the calendar like the City Tyres, UCC Open, Baroda Open and the national league failed to take course. But according to UBA’s CEO Simon Mugabi, it was a result of limited finances.

“The calendar was not honoured to expectation and this was due to limited finances by the sponsors,” Mugabi told New Vision.

But even then, UBA was happy with Edwin Ekiring’s performance on the international scene.

Ekiring stands out

Uganda’s top seed, Ekiring, won the Nigeria Open Badminton championship to return to the top on the Africa rankings.

He beat France’s Arnaud Genin 3-2 to take the men’s title at the Abuja National Stadium in Nigeria.

During the competition in October, Ekiring set the target early in the final after he took the first two sets 11-4, 11-7 although Genin pulled two back 11-3, 11-9.

Ekiring later gained his composure to dominate the decisive set 11-1 to win his first international tournament in Africa outside Uganda .

He had earlier beaten Milan Ludik of Czech Republic (3-2) in the semifinals while in the quarterfinals, Ekiring walloped
Nigeria’s Bulus Jinkam 3-1.

Though he is one of Africa’s most refined players, Ekiring had failed to win a title on the continent.

Ekiring’s best performance ever in Africa was silver medal after he reached the finals at the All Africa Games in Maputo and Africa Senior Badminton Championships in 2010.

Other locals, Daisy Nakalyango and Gloria Najuka also finished second at the Uganda International tournament that usually kicks off the local calendar.

The pair fell 2-1 against Nigerian opponents in the final of the women’s doubles.

Later, Uganda was to finish third overall at the U-15 Africa Badminton Championships held in Kampala.

The event held in August saw the boys’ and girls’ teams finish behind Mauritius and South Africa who took second and first places respectively.

Grassroots programme

Under the grassroots programme, promising players Mohamed Arshath and Shanika Fadilah won the inaugural MK Children’s Badminton tournament early this month at Mbuya.

The event saw Arshath standout in the boys’ category after beating Kristam Mokshith in both the U-13 and U-15 finals.

Meanwhile Fadilah who was making her second appearance in a local tournament also beat Reddy Tarani in the U-10 and later Rhona Bayiga to take the U-13 girls’ trophy.

Fadilah made her inaugural appearance at the City Tyres, Tamizh Sangam Badminton tournament where she won the U-10 category last year.

Still with limited resources, UBA managed to host the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Shuttle Time Schools Badminton programme.

The event held at Lugogo in September attracted 16 participants for the three-day trainers/tutors’ course.

The purpose of the course, according to Mugabi was to reach out to primary and secondary schools in the south and western regions of the country.