Uganda junior badminton players shine

It was a good experience for Uganda's junior badminton players who won a gold medal at the 2024 Uganda International Badminton Challenge at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

Akbar Oduka and Arafat Tendo Kibirige (of Kibuli SSS) beat Bruno Agaba and Najim Mbowa (of Kinaawa SSS) 2-1 in the final to win gold and silver medals respectively.

James Katabazi, Abdul Razak Mabuya, Aaron Ndawula, and Eric Ofuyuru walked away with bronze medals.

This was after a three-day championship that attracted 109 players from Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe India, and Mauritius

In the singles event, Akbar Oduka and Batham Kaweesa won bronze as the girls were all ejected in the quarterfinal.

As was in the Uganda International Challenge, it was Indian players in the final with Prashansa Bonam beating Aroma Zahid 2-0 in the final while Lucas Douce (Mauritius) beat Yohenba Singh (India )2-0.

In the mixed doubles, Ugandans, Aaron Ndawula and Olivia Betty Kyomukama, Eric Ofuyuru and Claire Namirembe settled for bronze.

The winners, Lucas and Bonam said they are focusing on the 2028 Olympics.

Uganda’s coach for the junior teams, Gilbert Ofuyuru said the junior players need exposure.

“The difference is that the winners in many tournaments and camps within and outside their countries. If funded, our players can also excel,” he noted.

William Kabindi, senior team coach of the senior team, William Kabindi said the junior players if nurtured well will be great.