By Seun Oyediji

Athletes from across the country have continued to dazzle at the 5th Abia National Para-Badminton Championship as the curtain prepares to fall on the week-long competition on Thursday at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

With several medals already decided, para-athletes are reflecting on their performances and experiences in what has been widely praised as a competition meeting international standards.

Top African-ranked Olympian Nnanna Jeremiah, representing Abia State in the men’s singles SL4 and doubles events, lauded the quality of the tournament, describing it as “on par with global championships.” The 23-year-old praised the Local Organising Committee for providing a high-level competitive environment and said he was mentally and physically prepared for the finals.

“It’s not just a competition but a solid preparatory ground ahead of my international fixtures. I must commend the organizers and my fellow competitors for the challenge,” said Jeremiah.

Joining in the praise were debutants Japhet Unana, a 16-year-old competing in the men’s SL4, and Mary Nathan of Plateau State in the women’s WH1 category. They expressed delight at the tournament’s inclusiveness and accessibility, especially the provision of wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and seating areas in line with international para-sport standards.

“This is one of the few times we didn’t have to struggle to access facilities. Everything was well thought out,” they said.

Among the early medalists is world number 3 Eniola Bolaji Mariam of Kwara State, who clinched gold in the women’s SL3 singles. Imo State’s Oriemezie Joy took silver, while bronze medals went to Odilaka Uwalaka of Abia and Anna Nyam of Plateau.

In the women’s doubles SL category, Rivers' Joy Ozioma and Imo’s Oriemezie Joy teamed up to win gold. Imo’s Duru Goodness Chinasa and Ogechi Onyenso claimed silver, with Abia’s Amarachi Precious Eziuka and Blessing Iroanya taking bronze.

More champions are expected to emerge before the tournament officially closes on Thursday at 1 p.m.

President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Francis Orbih, and other national officials are already in Umuahia for the ceremony. According to the Local Organizing Committee, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, will personally present medals and declare the championship officially closed.