Babalola Oluwatomiwa
Social Member
No fewer than Seventeen countries have confirmed that they will be participating in the second edition of the Lagos International Badminton Classics.
The tournament, which will end on July 18, began on Wednesday with the registration of players at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Lagos.
Players from England, Turkey, Benin Republic, Ghana,Hungary, Egypt, the United States of America and Ireland have arrived.
Others are Zambia, Russia, Poland, Slovakia, Belgium, South Africa and Czech Republic.
Vice president of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, told our correspondent that the tournament would serve as a preparation for the All Africa Games.
“Our players are ready to show the stuff they are made of because they know what is at stake, “ Orbih said.
“The players that have arrived so far are really prepared to battle for the titles because of the increase in the prize money.
“We too are still expecting more players on Thursday when the events will start fully. We hope to get a good competition this year as the standard increases.
“The AAG is also around the corner and we expect to get good players for the national team at the end of this competition.”
He added that the umpires for the competition had been trained and have undertaken refresher courses since their arrival in the country on Sunday, promising that this year’s edition would be better in terms of officiating.
He said, “The refresher course was in line with the standards of the Badminton World Federation for the tournament and we expect a higher level of participation and improved officiating this year.” Punch