Host state, Abia has emerged overall winners of the 5th edition of the Para-Badminton Open Championship, which concluded on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Umuahia.
Team Abia dominated the four-day competition, finishing with a haul of 17 medals, 5 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze.
Plateau State followed in second place, clinching 8 medals comprising 4 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze. Ogun State secured third position with 5 medals, while Kwara State placed fourth, having claimed 3 gold medals.
Imo State rounded off the top five with a total of 9 medals, including 1 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze.
Meanwhile, Ebonyi State finished at the bottom of the medal table without a single podium finish.
The championship featured para-athletes from across various states of the federation, competing in different classifications.
The event was officially declared closed by Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu.
He lauded the efforts of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Nwaobilor Ananaba, for organizing a successful tournament.
Governor Otti also commended the athletes, urging them to see themselves as champions and inspirations for others.
In their remarks, the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Francis Obih, and Commissioner Nwaobilor Ananaba highlighted the significance of the championship in unearthing new sporting talents for Abia, Nigeria, and the continent at large.
They expressed gratitude to the Abia State Government for fully supporting and sponsoring the event.
The closing ceremony featured a thrilling exhibition match, where Paralympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji teamed up with Ayuba Yahaya to defeat the duo of Odinakachi Uwalaka and James Akpan in the SL3 final.
The championship kicked off on Monday, July 14, and wrapped up on Thursday, July 17, drawing commendations for its organization and impact on para-sports development in Nigeria.
