Day 2 of the 2024 Uganda International Badminton Challenge concluded with exciting main draw action. Players from 49 countries and over 450 competitors are vying for valuable Olympic qualification points in this highly anticipated event.
While a large Ugandan contingent of 90 players entered the competition, many fell short on the first day.
Notable names like Gladys Mbabazi, Amos Muyanja, Muzafaru Lubega, Abed Bukenya, Kenneth Comfort Mwambu, Kruthum Nalumansi among others all never progressed to the main draw.
Only Tracy Naluwooza managed to navigate the qualifiers with impressive victories against Mauritius’ How Hong Chiara Kate (21-14,21-10), compatriot Vivian Nalule (21-10, 21-13), and Egyptian Lojaine Wasfy ( 21-19, 13-21,15-21).
In the main draw of round of 32, Naluwooza joined Husina Kobugabe and Shamika Fadilah who started this challenge at this stage.
Uganda’s performance in the main draw
Unfortunately, Fadilah, battling an injury, couldn’t overcome Ukraine’s Polina Buhrova (21-8, 21-14). Naluwooza’s dream run also ended against Tereza Švábíková (21-8, 21-14) from the Czech Republic.
Kobugabe emerged as Uganda’s lone warrior, defeating Egypt’s Doha Hany (22-20,16-21,16-21) and reaching the round of 16, replicating her 2022 performance. She now faces Polina Buhrova in a crucial match.
Bridget Shamim Bangi remains the only Ugandan to win this prestigious tournament, claiming the gold medal in the women’s singles in 2017. Can Kobugabe follow in her footsteps and bring glory back to Uganda?
Courtesy Photos
