The Fourth Lagos International Badminton Classics served off with 250 players on Wednesday at the Molade–Okoya Thomas Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The competition which has 22 foreign countries in attendance will round off proceedings on July 21, when the champions in the men/women singles, doubles and mixed doubles champions will be crowned.
Some players taking part in the four-day tournament told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that they were excited about the opportunity to be in the competition.
Opeyori Anuoluwapo, a national men’s player, said that the competition had given them the opportunity to participate in a top-ranked event and that he felt good it was taking place on home soil.
Anuoluwapo said: “It feels good to be a part of the Lagos International Badminton Classics, over the years it has continued to maintain its reputation as one of the best tournament hosted in Africa.
“As a national team player, I am challenged to give my best and also to ensure I produce the best performance that will at the end add more points to my position.
“The high number of foreign players participating shows the importance of the tournament, it will be very good if at the end we (home-based players) produce some outstanding performance.
“Mentally, I am well prepared for the challenge and I really give thanks to the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for the 63 days training programme I had in Indonesia, it was a worthwhile experience.”
Similarly, Ramdan Misbun from Malaysia, told NAN that he was delighted to be in Nigeria and being the first time, he was looking at making his mark in the tournament.
Misbun said: “I am happy to be here, it is a great competition that promises to be tough and very competitive going about the number of top players and the challenge from the local players.
“I am prepared to give my best and have my sight at the top price which is finishing in the top position in the men’s final.
“I also will use the opportunity to earn the necessary points that adds value to my ranking internationally, I know it will not come easy but I am determined to prove my quality.
“For me, being in Nigeria is great, it gives me the opportunity to know another part of the world and understand how things are being done somewhere else.”
For Adams Oviasogie and Osas Uwoghiren from Edo State, participating in their first ever international competition is a moment of joy and they are excited about the opportunity and hoped to learn a lot at the end.
Uwoghiren said: “I have played in the qualifiers’ but lost to a top player from India in the men’s singles, though I’m out but I enjoyed myself and I learn a lot.
“I saw something different while playing against the Indian, I am going to be better prepared next time and hopefully get past the qualification.”
His contemporary, Ovasogie said that the competition was an open door for him and that he hoped to gain a lot of experience as he participated in the men’s doubles.
Ovasogie said: “It’s a great competition, a lot of quality players are here and for me, it is an opportunity to know more about the game.”
NAN reports that 25, 000 dollars have been earmarked as prize money for the tournament.
Trending
- AUN students protest over electricity blackout, management shifts exams
- Legit.ng’s EIC, TUKO.co.ke’s ME share newsroom growth insights
- Tinubu to Dutch industry: Partnerships must be transformative, translate to gains
- Though it comes with pains, I take best decisions for Nigerians — Tinubu
- Five arrested for attack on LASTMA officials + Video, photos
- Queues: NNPC says cause of tightness in fuel supply resolved
- LG polls: Oyo declares Friday half working day
- Ondo 2024: Ajayi emerges PDP governorship candidate