Started this thread with the objective of providing news about what is happening in the continent of Africa. This includes Associations of the African countries, as well as pro players from and in Africa, and any news that is ummm, newsworthy!
Uganda's badminton team ready for 2012 Olympic qualifier Uganda's badminton team ready for 2012 Olympic qualifier KAMPALA, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's badminton national team will leave for Morocco on Tuesday for the 2011 All Africa Senior Championship which will also double as the qualifier event for the 2012 Olympic Games. Simon Mugabi, the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Badminton Association told Xinhua on Monday in an interview that the World Badminton Federation approved the event that runs from May 5-12 to be used as a qualifier for the London Olympics. "Although we have been struggling to look for finances to take the team to Morocco, we have finally managed to get some little funding and will enter a team of four players," said Mugabi who will also accompany the team as coach. Uganda's top player Edwin Ekiring who plies his trade in Holland will join the team in Morocco, while the traveling contingent from Uganda includes Brian Suuna, Shamim Bangi and Margaret Nnankabirwa. "We are going to put up a good show and hope to work so hard as a team because this is an Olympic qualifying event," said Suuna shortly after training. Nigeria is the defending champions after winning the event two years ago in Nairobi, Kenya. The format of play at the All Africa Senior Championship will be similar to the Surdirman Cup World Championship with one men's and women's singles, one men's and women's doubles and a mixed doubles event. Kenya, South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Ghana, Egypt, Algeria are some of the other countries that will send players for the event. After the Olympic qualifying event, the Morocco International Open will take center stage from May 13-15. Full story: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/xinhua/2011-05-03/content_2485915.html
South Africa's participation at the Sudirman Cup will showcase the following players: Michelle Edwards (captain) Kerry Harrington Stacey Doubell Annari Viljoen Wiaan Viljoen Dorian James Jacob Maliekal Enrico James
Badminton / Madagascar Championships Badminton / Madagascar Championships: Foutrh success of Aina Marc Aina Marc won a fourth national title defeating in final his brother and club mate Aina Vonjinirina (2-0). In women’s, it is Hasina Rakotomalala, winner over Stéphanie Rajerison (2-1) who was crowned champion. These championships were important as it counts for the Indian Ocean Games (IOIG) in Seychelles from 5 to 14 August 2011. But before the elite will attend the international tournaments of Mauritius (8 and 19 June) and Kenya Open(24 to 25 June). Source: http://www.starafrica.com/en/more-s...inton-madagascar-championships-fo-151472.html
Badminton Confederation of Africa The Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) (formerly known as Africa Badminton Federation) is the governing body of badminton in Africa. It is one of the 5 continental bodies under the flag of the Badminton World Federation (BWF). It now has 31 member countries. Here is the Wiki link for more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badminton_Confederation_of_Africa
Here is the home page of the BCA website http://badmintonafrica.org/ South Africa appears to dominate the sport in Africa, to quite an extent. But that does not mean that badminton is not actively pursued in other countries. Indeed, countries like Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and many others have a pretty active badminton culture. Most member countries have their own annual International tournament, and they are a part of the BWF calendar. Most Africans a naturally gifted athletes. I believe there are many expat Africans who play at a high, often international level in their adopted countries, like in the EU and Canada for example. If there were more emphasis on proper training and more encouragement from big sponsors, I am sure we would see many world class players emerging from this continent within the next 5-10 years. Naturally, this would be great for the game, worldwide!!
ANy names? I seriously can not think of any ... Good initiative btw and you left out Nigeria. Their leading lady (Grace) will be playing in the Dutch top league next season I read recently
Probably a different Grace now that I've looked it up: Grace Gabriel?? (= Grace Daniels?) Of course the aforementioned Ekiring plays in the Dutch League as does another from the African continent, Eli Mambwe of Zambia. (I guess it depends on what you meant with "adopted countries" whether some names come to mind )
I guess there are indeed two different Grace's : Nigerian team off to Morocco for Badminton championship May 3rd, 2011 in News, Sports APA Abuja (Nigeria) Ten players and four officials will depart Nigeria on Wednesday for the All African Senior Badminton Championships holding from 6 to 15 May in Morocco. Amechi Akawo, Secretary of Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), said on Tuesday in Lagos that the athletes and officials would arrive in Morocco early to acclimatize. Akawo said the federation would use the championships which are qualifiers for the London 2012 Olympics to prepare the athletes for the All Africa Games in Maputo in September. "We want to go to Morocco two days before the championships to ensure that players acclamatise to enable them to perform well in the tournament,” he said. The male players are Ifrainu Jinkan, Ola Fagbemi, Enejo Abah, Victor Makanju, and Ibrahim Adamu, while the females are Susan Ideh, Maria Braimoh, Grace Gabriel, Grace Daniel, Fatima Azeez. Akawo also said the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) would hold its 2011 Annual General Meeting during the championships. The secretary said that he was confident the country would defend the title it won last year in Casablanca, Morocco.
Here are the results of the 2011 African Championships by chance: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badminton-Afrikameisterschaft_2011
South African Badminton Here's an interesting article I found on South African badminton, on the website badminton-information.com The international acceptance of badminton has led to badminton being a sport played often in Africa. South Africa has been one of several African countries to become interested in badminton. It is being played throughout South Africa. The South African Badminton championships have become more popular over the years. This is leading to badminton getting more attention in South Africa. In addition, the South African badminton teams are also now becoming better and more competitive with other countries that play badminton. South Africa badminton has a long history. The South African Badminton Championships started in 1937. There have been several good South African badminton players. Alan Parsons considered by many to be one of the greatest South African badminton players of all time. He won in total 24 South African national titles. He also won the German open singles title in 1965 and Irish Open singles title in 1967. Likewise, there are some good badminton players currently representing South Africa. Chantel Botts and Michelle Edwards of South Africa competed in 2004 Summer Olympics in women's doubles. In addition, Stewart Carson and Dorian James of South Africa also competed in 2004 Summer Olympics. Badminton is played in several African countries. But, South Africa is considered by many as the best at badminton in Africa. South Africa dominated in the last All African Championships that were held in 2007 in Algiers, Algeria. They ended the tournament winning eight medals. They also won the team silver medal. They unexpectedly lost 3-2 in finals of the team event to Seychelles. But, they are still considered the most dominate African team in badminton. In addition, they were the only African team to participate in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. Badminton in South Africa has been slowly growing in popularity. However, it still is not one of the most popular sports in South Africa. The most popular sports in South Africa is cricket, rugby, soccer and boxing. Soccer is extremely popular in South Africa. They have a long line of outstanding achievements in soccer. This helped South Africa be chosen as the home of the 2010 World Cup. This will be first time that a world cup is ever held in an African country. Rugby has a large following in South Africa. They have an excellent Rugby team. South African's rugby team is currently ranked number two in the International Rugby Board (IRB) World Rankings. South Africa's badminton is continually getting better. Their ultimate goal is to medal at the Olympic games. The badminton confederation of Africa has launched a project called "Road to London". It involves badminton players age 17 to 23 from seven African countries including South Africa. They hope this will better prepare them for the Olympics. They're never has been an African country that has medaled in Olympics in badminton. But, South Africa is trying to be the first. Full story: http://www.badminton-information.com/south_african_badminton.html
Badminton in Nigeria Here is a recent article I found where a former West African U Games champion talks about the state of the game in his country... Former champion says lack of tournaments stunt badminton development The lack of badminton tournaments is adversely affecting the development of the sport in Nigeria, says former West Africa Universities Games (WAUG) champion, Kayode Olatunji. Mr Olatunji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Friday that the sport lacked a solid foundation and urged the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) to reverse the situation. He called for the introduction of badminton in educational institutions, starting from the primary schools, to promote the sport at the grass roots. The player, who won a gold medal at the 2008 edition of the WAUG in Ghana, said the organisation of national tournaments one or two times in three years was bad for the sport. Mr Olatunji argued that there was no way the sport could develop in such a situation. He urged the BFN to provide badminton facilities at the grass roots, especially at the local government areas, and organisation of regular competitions for rapid development of the sport. He noted that badminton players abound in the country but could not blossom because of the paucity of tournaments and facilities. Mr Olatunji disclosed that he would take part in some international tournaments in South Africa and Botswana to gain points to enable him to play in the London Olympics 2012 qualifiers.. Source: http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/Metro/5639083-147/story.csp
Eli Mambwe seriously preparing for the German Open Zambia’s Top Seed Badminton player Eli Mambwe has intensified his training ahead of the big Germany open tournament billed for September. Eli who is playing for BC-Arm in Holland says his club has strong players which gives him a better training opportunity. He says the tournament is an international event which has attracted countries from Asia, Africa, and Europe. Eli was speaking in a telephone interview with MUVI TV Sports from Holland today. Source: http://www.muvitv.com/?p=869
Kenya badminton officials optimistic of global championships Kenya badminton officials optimistic of global championships Xinhua Updated: 2011-06-12 08:40:00 NAIROBI, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Kenya badminton officials remains buoyant of the country lifting the overall title at home during the International Badminton Championships, which will be staged in Nairobi from June 23 to 26. Anna Maina, Kenya Badminton Association Chairperson, said the country is ready to welcome over 20 countries, which have confirmed participation for the International event. H "It is going to be a tough tournament with the standards of the game having gone up. But Kenyans can too match that and I remain optimistic the local players will do well. We will name a strong team for the championship," said Maina on Saturday in Nairobi. Maina said that the team which have confirmed participation in the three-day International Badminton Championships are South Africa, Uganda, Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria and Mauritius from Africa. But the biggest challenge will come from teams from outside Africa like Hungary, India, Vietnam, Russia, Croatia, United States, Italy, Iran, Turkey, Slovakia, Peru, Czech Republic, Guatemala and Iceland. "Plans to organise this competition have been complete. The gym is now ready at Moi International Sports Centre," said Maina. International Badminton Championships has received a total of 75 international entries from the 20 countries. This will be a first time that Kenya will be staging a tournament of this calibre and Maina was alive to challenge the face. The winners of the tournament will earn World Ranking points and qualification for the 2012 London Olympics Games. "It is massive and we must be at our best to organise this tournament. It has been a long time since we staged a championship of such magnitude," said Maina. Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/xinhua/2011-06-12/content_2874497.html
Juma Muwowo Wins Copperbelt Badminton Title Times of Zambia 16 August 2011 Full report: http://allafrica.com/stories/201108170046.html Excerpts: ZAMBIA's seed two male badminton player Juma Muwowo on Sunday scooped the Copperbelt Open Championship in Kitwe while female seed one Ogar Siamupangila won the female contest. Muwowo, Siamupangila and Chongo were using the tournament to prepare for next month's All-African Games slated for Maputo, Mozambique.
Six Badminton players from Ghana for All Africa Games Full story: http://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2011/08/25/six-badminton-players-for-all-africa-games/ Excerpt: The Ghana Badminton Association (GBA) has selected six players to participate in the 2011 All Africa Games scheduled for 3-18 September in Maputo, Mozambique. The sextet includes three male and three female players. The males are Solomon Nyarko, Daniel Sam and Daniel Aryee whilst Linda Osei Hammond, Stella Amasah and Gifty Mensah constitute the female team. The team will be accompanied by Coach Ampofo Boateng. Ignatius Elletey, General Secretary of the GBA told GNA Sports that the six players were decided upon after series of domestic championships.
Africa Inter-School Badminton Championships Oshwall Academy for Africa Badminton By: William Njuguna 26 August 2011 Full report: http://allafrica.com/stories/201108290148.html Oshwal Academy will represent Kenya in the Africa inter school badminton championships in South Africa in December. Both the boys and girls team impressed at the just concluded Airtel national championships held in Nairobi with the girls side winning the title and the boys emerging as the runners up.The girls team beat Ogande Girls from Nyanza 5-0 , AIC Kessup Girls from Rift Valley 4-1 and Gitugi Girls from Central 3-2 in the preliminary matches thereby qualifying for the semifinals where they beat Ititu Girls from Eastern 3-0 . In the final they beat Butere Girls of Western 3-2 to emerge the national champions.The boys began in superb style as they demolished Saos Boys from Rift Valley 5-0 before beating Kasikeu School from Eastern and Wajir High from North Eastern 5-0 in group games.They beat Igiriko from Central 3-2 there to advance tot the finals where they lost to Jera School from Nyanza 3-1.
Nigeria To Parade 12 Badminton Players At AAG Full report: http://www.thetidenewsonline.com/?p=28019 Excerpts: The Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) yesterday said 12 players would represent the country at the All Africa Games scheduled to hold from September 3 to September 18 in Maputo, Mozambique. ...“The team will be led by Ifraimu Jinkam, who is the country’s top player, and will depart on August 27 to allow the players acclimatise before the commencement of the Games,” he said. “Most of these players are not new to international competitions, so I have no fear about them having a good outing at the Games,” he said. Other players in the male category are Olaoluwa Fagbemi, Enejo Abah, Victor Makanjuola, Ibrahim Adamu and Femi Elewa. The females are Fatima Azeez, Susan Ideh, Mariam Braimoh, Grace Daniel, Grace Gabriel and Tosin Atolagbe. ...Some of the players, who spoke to newsmen, promised not to let the country down and assured Nigerians that they would win no fewer than three gold medals.
Ghana wins bronze in Badminton Ghanaian duo, Daniel Sam and Solomon Nyarko partnered to win bronze in Badminton at the ongoing 2011 All Africa Games. The duo lost out to South African opponents in the semi finals on Sunday evening, settling for fourth position and an eventual bronze in the men’s double event. http://www.starafrica.com/en/more-sports/detail-news/view/ghana-wins-bronze-in-badminton-189221.html
Nigeria gets gold Nigeria team won the final of the badminton men’s team event by beating South Africa with a score of 3-2. Mauritius took the bronze. Nigeria team won the final of the badminton men’s team event by beating South Africa with a score of 3-2. Mauritius took the bronze. In semi finals, South Africa imposed against Mauritius (3-1) and Nigeria dominated Seychelles. Individual events begin on Friday September 9. http://www.starafrica.com/en/more-s...l-africa-games-2011badminton-m-ni-189014.html