India dominates Uganda International Badminton Challenge

The 22nd edition of the Uganda International Badminton Challenge concluded over the weekend at Lugogo Indoor Arena, Kampala, with foreign-based players sweeping all podium medals and sharing the $20,000 prize purse.

Indian shuttlers stamped their authority on the five-day tournament, reaching multiple finals and collecting the lion’s share of podium finishes in the women’s singles and doubles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles categories.

In the women’s singles final, top seed Anupama Upadhyaya defeated compatriot Mansi Singh in straight sets to secure gold. India also claimed gold and silver in the men’s doubles and mixed doubles, underlining their dominance. However, in the women’s doubles, the Indian pair settled for silver after losing to Lauren Lam and Allison Quynh Lee of the USA.

Overall, India topped the medal standings with three gold, four silver, and five bronze medals.

Karono shines for Australia

Australia finished second on the medal table thanks to Karono Karono’s remarkable run in the men’s singles. Starting from the round of 64, Karono battled through the main draw, eliminating top seed V. Nettasinghe of Singapore before defeating Israel’s Misha Zilberman in the final.

“This is my first win of the year. I am heading to another tournament in Singapore next month, and my target is to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics,” Karono said.

The USA finished third overall after their triumph in the women’s doubles, while Israel, Singapore, Australia, and Italy also secured bronze medals.

Uganda struggles to make impact

Ugandan players found the competition tough against the international field. Top female seed and reigning All-Africa Senior Badminton champion Fadilah Shamika exited in the round of 16, while Gladys Mbabazi was eliminated in the round of 32. No Ugandan player progressed to the quarterfinal stage.

Winners in the singles events walked away with USD 2,400, medals, and 4,000 ranking points.

Uganda Badminton Association (UBA) chairperson Annet Nakamya acknowledged the gap in standards but emphasized the benefits of hosting such events.

“It is not easy for our players to compete at this level, but hosting international tournaments gives them exposure. We cannot afford to send large numbers abroad, so bringing such events home benefits our players and the country in terms of tourism and development,” she said.

Nakamya added that UBA is focusing on preparing Fadilah Shamika for qualification to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The Challenge, sponsored by City Tyres, Plascon, Bank of Uganda, NCS, and BWF, attracted 286 players from 39 countries, with Uganda fielding 59 athletes.

The event was preceded by the Uganda International Junior Features Tournament (U-19)