2024 Kampala Badminton tournament on at Lugogo Indoor Arena

Over 200 badminton players have honoured the 2024 Kampala International Badminton Tournament, which kicked off on Thursday at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

Players from 18 countries have been confirmed following online registration for the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Future Series tournament, running from September 26-29.

The Future Series tournament offers $5,000 in prize money and a maximum of 1,700 BWF points for the winners in the individual events.

Badminton players getting on to the court at the 2024 Kampala International tournament. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

Uganda Badminton Association (UBA) CEO, Simon Mugabi, stated that at least 68 Ugandan players, both men and women, have entered the tournament.

Games began with qualification matches, where the top seven men will qualify for the main draw starting on Friday, according to Mugabi.

“We are looking at our players who were on the verge of qualifying for the Paris Olympics to have a good show in this tournament,” Mugabi noted.

Badminton officials at the 2024 Kampala International tournament . Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

He added that the tournament will also serve as good preparation for the Uganda International and the City Tyre East African Challenge, both scheduled for next month at the same venue.

“This is also a build-up for the World Championships, Commonwealth Games, the Los Angeles Olympics, and Africa Games,” Mugabi added.

Countries that have confirmed participation include the USA, Azerbaijan, Scotland, India, Jordan, Estonia, Malta, Maldives, Italy, Cook Islands, Israel, UAE, Nigeria, Malaysia, Ireland, Australia, France, Morocco, and hosts Uganda.

Brian Kasirye, who won the 2023 edition in the men’s singles, is out of the country this year.