Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
Over 144 athletes across 24 states in Nigeria are currently taking part in the first Rivers National Governor’s Badminton Championship in Port Harcourt.
The National President of Badminton Federation FRANCIS ORBIH stated this during a press conference in Port Harcourt.
FRANCIS ORBIH said that the federation is using the tournament to prepare for the All Senior African Badminton Championship in April 2019.
Orbih stated that Nigeria will be hosting the All African Badminton Championship next year after 19 years and assured that the country will be ready to host a successful event in 2019.
Francis Orbih noted that the points garnered by players in this championship is for national ranking and not for Olympic qualifying tournament.
The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria revealed that the 2018 event will have the highest prize money in the history of the tournament.
He said the total prize money is seven million twenty thousand naira N7,020,000.00.
Orbih stated that men’s and women’s singles winners will receive three hundred thousand naira(N300,000)
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Rivers State, JAMES ENEBELI said the state is ready to host the competition.
He stated that the athletes will enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Rivers State during the competition.
James Enebeli said the sports-loving governor of Rivers State Nyesom Wike will continue to support and promote sports in the country and beyond.
Our correspondent reports that the tournament is billed for Wednesday 19th Dec-Saturday 22, Dec 2018.
