Abia Targets Grassroots Revolution as Badminton Board Chairman Sets New Goals for Second Tenure
The Chairman of the Abia State Badminton Association Board Chief Abel Sunday. has outlined an ambitious agenda for his second tenure, pledging to deepen grassroots development while sustaining the state’s dominance in Para badminton on the continent.
Speaking on the achievements of his first term, the chairman said Abia had recorded historic milestones that placed the state firmly on Africa’s badminton map.
“In my first tenure as Chairman of Abia State Badminton Association, we produced the first African Para Olympian, African number 1 ranking in almost all Para Badminton categories and finally we hosted the First Abia Africa and International Badminton Championship in Umuahia, Abia State,” he stated.
He described the feats as “great achievements” but admitted that the lack of able-bodied badminton players remained a major challenge for the association.
Looking ahead, the chairman said his focus for the next four years would be to take the sport to the grassroots and discover young talents that can be groomed to world-class level.
“My dream in the second tenure is to take badminton to the grassroot, scout for players we can nurture to world standard and also maintain our standard in Para badminton, this time around producing medals at the next Par Olympics,” he said.
He added that sustaining the Abia International Championship remained a priority to cement the state’s reputation as a hub for the sport.
“My wish is to sustain Abia International Championship thereby putting Abia on the world map and making Abia the home of Badminton in Nigeria and Africa in general,” he said.
The chairman stressed that the vision could only be realised through teamwork and strong board support.
“All these big dreams can only be possible with the support of my able and competent Board, together we shall achieve,” he said.
Abia State has emerged as a powerhouse in Para badminton in recent years, with athletes from the state dominating continental rankings and representing Nigeria at international competitions.
The hosting of the maiden Abia Africa and International Badminton Championship in Umuahia in 2024 was widely regarded as a turning point for the sport in the South-East.
Stakeholders in the state’s sports sector have expressed optimism that the renewed focus on grassroots talent would address the current gap in able-bodied players and further strengthen Abia’s position in Nigerian badminton.
