National Para-badminton Championships Start

BY RITAH TUGUMISIRIZE

As the world commemorated the international day for persons with disabilities, some of the disabled people in Uganda were engrossed in competitive trial badminton games each hoping to pass the audition for a place among those to carry the national flag at the 2020 paralympic games in Tokyo, Japan.

The MTN Arena is where the second edition of the national para badminton championships is taking place as the young and the old para badminton players face off in what could be a life changing competition.

18 year old Hadija Hamuka is among those hoping to make the cut and book a place among the four who will represent Uganda at a series of upcoming international events.

"I started playing badminton in senior two when my games master spotted me and said I would be a better bad minton player, I used to play table tennis. I’m happy I won these two games and hope to be the tournament champion, so I can represent my country on the international scene," said Hadija Hamuka.

Joan Namugenyi's impaired legs are not deterrent  to her ambition to carry the national flag.

She says this is what she has been preparing for.

"I have been training for badminton always, this is my first time to play a competitive game and although i have lost, am happy that i have the opportunity and will work hard to become a better player and play on the international level," said the 22 year old Joan Namugenyi.

The trials that also double as the national para badminton championship will end on the 5 th of December with the best four players representing the country in a series of upcoming international events including the Paralympics in Tokyo 2020.