The 2024 Uganda International Badminton Challenge shuttled off at the Lugogo Indoor Arena, drawing players from 49 countries across the globe.
Officially opened by Uganda Olympic Committee president Dr. Donald Rukare, the main event action kicks off this Sunday, February 25th.
Dr. Rukare commended the Uganda Badminton Association for providing athletes with a chance to earn Olympic points while promoting tourism in the country and pledged continued support for their quest to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“We are ready to support badminton players to see that they qualify for the forthcoming Paris Olympics,” Dr. Rukare added.
Mugabi Simon the Uganda Badminton Association Chief Executive Officer said that this being the last Olympics qualifying event on the African continent, the number of entries is high compared to the past events.
Uganda, as the host nation, boasts the largest contingent with 90 players out of 450 set to battle for bragging rights and points.
However, the opening day proved challenging for Ugandan players, with many falling short in the qualification stage.
As it was in the Thomas and Uber Cup in Cairo, Egypt where the men underperformed, it was the same script and now, their focus is on the doubles and mixed doubles.
On the side of the senior women players, Gladys Mbabazi was eliminated at the qualification level, while Tracy Naluwooza progressed to today’s main draw.
Away from the preliminary round, Shamika Fadilah who is still nursing an injury she obtained in Egypt will be facing Polina Buhrova from Ukraine in the women’s singles in the round of 32.
Next on the card will be Husina Kobugabe, up against Egypt’s Doha Hany while Naluwooza will face Tereza Švábíková from Czech Republic in the singles round of 32.
Day One Highlights
- Tracy Naluwooza beat Egypt’s Lojaine Wasfy (21-19,13-21, 15-21)
- Kruthum Nalumansi lost to Kobita Dookhee from Mauritius (17-21, 14-21)
- Vishal Vasudevan from Egypt defeated Uganda’s Lubega Muzafaru (21-13, 21-9)
- Gladys Mbabazi lost to Shruti Mundada from Egypt (21-15, 21- 15)
- Kenneth Comfort Mwambu lost to Abhishek Yeligar from India (21-12, 21-9)
- Muzafaru Lubega lost to Maldives’ Ahmed Nibal (21-8,15-21, 10-21)
- India’s Vishal Vasudevan knocked out Abed Bukenya (21-16, 21-17)
Photo Credit: Gonzaga Kakeeto
