Abia State to Welcome the World: Para Badminton Championships to Boost Tourism, Sports & Economy | WATCH VIDEO

Umuahia, Abia State - The world's attention will soon turn to Abia State as it prepares to host two major global sporting events - the First Abia Para Badminton International and the All Africa Para Badminton Championships - back-to-back at the state-of-the-art International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

Scheduled for September 30 to October 5, 2025 (International) and October 6 to October 12, 2025 (African), these championships will place Abia firmly on the global sports map, attracting over 224 athletes from 16 countries and putting the state in the spotlight for its commitment to inclusion, sports excellence, and economic growth.

Speaking at a high-powered media briefing, Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, who also chairs the Main Organising Committee, described the event as "a defining moment in Abia's history". He credited Governor Alex Otti's visionary leadership for making the hosting possible, noting that the administration has placed sports, diversity, and opportunity at the heart of its development agenda.

"The hosting of these championships in Abia is more than a sporting achievement - it's a statement of our capacity, hospitality, and vision. It shows that Abia is not only a sports destination in Nigeria but a proud member of the global badminton family," Emetu declared.

The Deputy Governor further emphasized that para sports showcase resilience, courage, and the triumph of the human spirit, and expressed optimism that the events will inspire a new generation of athletes across Nigeria to pursue sportsmanship and perseverance.

The championships are expected to deliver major economic benefits for Abia, including boosts in tourism, hospitality, transportation, and small business revenues as visitors from across Africa and beyond flood into Umuahia.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba, praised Governor Otti for providing all necessary logistics, including a specially equipped wheelchair-enabled bus to facilitate athlete transportation during the tournament. He also commended the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for its technical support and partnership.

In his remarks, National Coordinator for Para Badminton Federation, Mr. Ekeoma Samuel, confirmed that athletes from 16 nations have already signed up, with the numbers expected to grow as the event draws closer.

The Abia government has called on corporate sponsors, sports associations, the media, and the public to join hands in making the championship a benchmark for sports hosting in Africa.

With Abia's warm hospitality, organizational excellence, and global vision, these two championships are poised to transform the state into a premier African sports destination and reinforce its image as a place where inclusivity and excellence thrive side by side.

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