The first edition of the Mohammed Umaru Bago Badminton Championship has ended in Minna with the Federal Capital Territory Abuja emerging as overall winners.
A statement signed by the chief press secretary to the Governor,Bologi Ibrahim said host Niger State emerged overall second while Plateau State came third.
The one week event featured events for both men and women with FCT dominating after winning the men’s and women’s doubles category, the women’s singles category, the mixed doubles and the U-15 category for girls.
Niger State on the other hand won the men’s singles category, men’s doubles for 35-49 age cadre, boys U-15 singles and the boys U-15 doubles category.
Declaring the event closed, Niger State governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed satisfaction with the level of sportsmanship displayed throughout the sporting event.
The farmer governor who was represented at the event by the Chairman, Niger State Sports Commission, Danjuma Masu reiterated that the State is well positioned to regain its footing in the comity of sporting States in Nigeria.
He used the medium to call on all stakeholders to join hands and support the already built pedestal in sports sponsorship in order to sustain sports as a business venture for youth in the State.
The North Central representative, Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Alhaji Mohammed Nma Kolo who also doubles as the Chairman, Niger State Badminton Association said the competition has lived up to expectations of talent discovery who will represent the Nation in future National and international Badminton events.
He appreciated the farmer governor for his continous support to sports development in the State and disclosed that the Bago Badminton Championship will be held annually and will be rotated among the North Central States to foster unity.
The President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, represented by the Director, Technical Director, BFN, Tunde Kazeem who underscored the importance of organizing such championships said, it gives ample opportunity to youth to display their talents and is an avenue for the Badminton federation to fish out future talents.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of medals, plagues and cash prizes to individuals who finished first, second and third in the respective categories.
The farmer governor was equally presented with an award in recognition for his tremendous support to the game of Badminton in Niger State.
