By Kenneth Orusi, Managing Editor
ASABA — The fourth South-South Under-13 Badminton Tournament in Asaba has produced a new generation of young champions, with promising shuttlers from Delta and Edo States putting up impressive performances at the competition.
The tournament, staged at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Asaba, is aimed at strengthening grassroots badminton, exposing young players to competitive action and creating a pathway for the discovery and development of future stars.
In the Boys Singles, Delta’s Joel Achimbon emerged champion, with Triumph Okocha finishing runner-up. Delight Julius placed third, while Joshua Patrice finished fourth.
The Boys Doubles title went to Jim Walter and Triumph Okocha, while David Adebayo and Delight Julius finished second. Joshua Patrick and Joseph Patrick secured third position, while Joel Achimbom and Jeremiah Francis placed fourth.
In the Girls Doubles, Tega Ufuoma and Samuel claimed the top position, with Oreva and Fatima Amu finishing runners-up. Bright Ita and Bright John took third place, while Emmanuel and Purity finished fourth.
The Mixed Doubles category produced another impressive showing, with Joel Achimbon of Delta and Bright Ita of Edo emerging champions.
Triumph and Tega Ufuoma, both from Delta, finished second, while David Adebayo and Fatima claimed third position. Jim Walter and Angel Charles completed the standings in fourth place.
Beyond the medals and recognition, winners and participants were rewarded with sporting equipment and other gift items as encouragement for their commitment to the sport.
The prizes included badminton rackets, shuttlecocks and sports footwear, among other items, with the organisers stressing that the incentives were intended to motivate the young players to remain committed to training and competition.
The performances across the singles, doubles and mixed doubles events reflected the growing depth of young badminton talent in the South-South, with players displaying impressive footwork, court coverage, shot placement, agility and determination.
Speaking at the commencement of the tournament on Friday, August 14, Felix Awala Tangbe, Chairman of the Delta State Badminton Association and South-South representative on the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, said the competition was designed to identify talented players at an early age and provide them with the competitive environment required for long-term development.
Tangbe said the organisers remained committed to catching talents young and nurturing them through structured competition, coaching and exposure, with the ultimate objective of producing players capable of representing Delta, the South-South region and Nigeria at national and international levels.
He expressed appreciation to the players, coaches, officials, parents, supporters and other stakeholders whose contributions helped make the tournament successful.
The chairman particularly commended the coaches for their dedication to developing the young shuttlers and urged parents and other stakeholders to continue supporting the children as they pursue their sporting ambitions.
He stressed that age-grade competitions remained critical to the development of badminton, noting that regular competitive exposure would help the young players improve their technical abilities, tactical awareness, mental strength and confidence on court.
The Asaba tournament therefore provided more than a contest for medals. It offered the young athletes an opportunity to test their abilities, gain valuable competitive experience and take important steps towards building future careers in badminton.
The fourth edition has further reinforced the potential of grassroots badminton in the South-South and the need for sustained investment in youth development and sporting infrastructure.
