Abia State reaffirmed its dominance in para-badminton by emerging overall champions at the 5th National Open Para-Badminton Championship, which concluded on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Umuahia. The host state led the medal table with an impressive haul of 17 medals—5 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze.
Plateau State followed in second place with a total of 8 medals (4 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze), while Ogun State secured third with 5 medals (3 gold and 2 bronze). Kwara State placed fourth with 3 gold medals, and Imo State rounded out the top five with 9 medals (1 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze).
Other top-performing states included Rivers in sixth position with 3 medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze), Kebbi in seventh with 2 medals (1 gold and 1 silver), and Delta, eighth, with 1 gold medal. Akwa Ibom came ninth with 2 silver medals, while Bayelsa finished tenth, securing 5 medals (1 silver and 4 bronze).
Lagos placed 11th (1 silver, 1 bronze), Anambra 12th (1 silver), Taraba 13th (1 bronze), and Ebonyi State concluded the ranking in 14th place with no medal.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Governor Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Chief Okey Kanu, commended the athletes, describing the championship as a convergence of talent, resilience, and unity. He emphasized the importance of inclusivity and urged the athletes to see themselves as heroes.
Governor Otti also applauded the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwobilor Ananaba, the local organizing committee, the state para-badminton association, and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for a well-organized event.
Earlier, Sir Ananaba, along with Mr. Abel Sunday, Chairman of the Abia Para-Badminton Association, and Mr. Samuel Ekeoma, National Coordinator of Para-Badminton, thanked the Governor for his visionary support and investment in the state’s sports ecosystem.
Other dignitaries, including Mr. Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria; Ezenwanne Charles Chiemeka, President of the Para Powerlifting Federation; and Mrs. Thelca Opara, Director of Para-Sports at the National Sports Commission, also lauded the Governor’s support for para-athletes.
The event featured a thrilling SL3 final match where Olympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji teamed up with Ayuba Yahaya to defeat Odinakachi Uwalaka and James Akpan. The ceremony also included goodwill messages, medal and certificate presentations, and remarks from partners such as the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups and the Abia State Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
The championship, which began on Monday, July 14, concluded on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the 1st Abia Para-Badminton International Championship scheduled for September 30 to October 5, 2025, followed by the All Africa Para-Badminton Championship from October 6 to 12, 2025.
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