Uganda’s badminton players are focusing on improving their performance at the Uganda International Challenge, which kicks off today at the Lugogo Indoor Arena. This comes after the team secured bronze medals at the All-Africa Senior Individual Championship in Cameroon, which concluded on Sunday.
The team returned from Cameroon on Monday and immediately began preparing for the international competition, which will offer valuable ranking points for upcoming events such as the Commonwealth Games and African Games.
Husina Kobugabe, who claimed gold at the 2023 African Games in Ghana, is confident ahead of the tournament.
“Everyone who competed in Cameroon is playing in this tournament. I’m ready to fight, even though my opponent is from Switzerland, a strong badminton nation. I don’t know her, but I’m confident in my abilities,” Kobugabe said.
Simon Mugabi, CEO of the Uganda Badminton Association (UBA), emphasized the importance of the event.
“The 11th International Challenge is a major tournament, attracting 250 players from around the world. It’s a great opportunity for Ugandan players to compete and gain experience,” Mugabi explained.
The tournament will award 4,000 ranking points to winners in both the men’s and women’s categories. Additionally, quarterfinalists will compete for a share of the $17,500 prize pool.
In Cameroon, Uganda earned three bronze medals: two in individual events from Husina Kobugabe and Fadilah Shamika, and one in women’s doubles from Tracy Naluwooza and Fadilah. The team also finished fifth overall in the team events.
The Uganda International Challenge has attracted players from 14 countries, including Canada, India, Azerbaijan, Switzerland, Egypt, England, Malaysia, and Iran, among others.
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