BNo fewer than 200 players from 31 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas on Wednesday opened the 8th Lagos International Badminton Classics, holding from Aug. 27 to 31.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that powerhouses such as India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia are competing alongside top athletes from the United States, Canada, France and Nigeria.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are also well represented, underlining the tournament’s growing global appeal in the world of badminton.
The Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr Lekan Fatodu expressed delight at Lagos’ readiness to host athletes from around the world.
He reaffirmed the state government’s vision of making Lagos the epicentre of multi-sports development in Africa.
After Day-One action, Nayonika Rajesh, 20, of the United Arab Emirates outclassed Nigeria’s Uchechukwu Ukeh, 21-15, 21-19, to advance to the third round.
Top UAE player, Nurani Azzahra, 23, also defeated Nigeria’s Damilola Alabi in two straight sets, 21-5, 21-8, in the women’s singles.
In the men’s singles, Nigerian representatives struggled to make an impact, falling to many of their foreign counterparts.
Tournament number one seed, Nicolas Muller of Switzerland, beat Nigeria’s top player, Abba Mohammed, 21-8, 21-15, to progress to the next round.
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Muhammad Yusuf of Malaysia also overpowered Nigeria’s Abdulhamid Musa, 21-4, 21-12, to record his first victory in the competition.
Harsha Vamsi Kmv of India eased past Nigeria’s Umar Mustapha, 21-11, 21-8, despite the huge home support Mustapha enjoyed from the crowd.
However, Nigeria’s Moses Babatunde advanced after Joel Konig of Switzerland failed to turn up for their scheduled match.
Tournament third seed, Rajesh Srikar of India, also defeated Nigeria’s Emmanuel Ogunsanwo, 21-9, 21-13, in the men’s singles.
Srikar expressed delight at visiting Nigeria and looked forward to an exciting competition, while hoping for success at the end.
“It is going to be a very tough competition. It is safer to take one game at a time, keep expectations low and stay focused.
“I am happy to be here. It is my first time, and I am enjoying the atmosphere, the food, and looking forward to a great event,” Srikar said.
Meanwhile, Ogunsanwo expressed disappointment at his performance and lamented the poor showing of Nigerian players in the first-round matches. (NAN)
