East African Badminton Challenge attracts record 1,505 participants

The 2024 City Tyres East African Badminton Challenge kicked off on Thursday, drawing a record 1,505 participants from across East Africa.

This marks significant growth from last year’s 800 entries, highlighting the tournament's rising popularity, according to City Tyres' head of marketing, Herbert Bashasha, who was the chief guest at the opening of the 7th edition.

Badminton CEO, Simon Mugabi talking about the tournament fixtures at the opening of the 7th edition of the City Tyres East African Badminton Challenge. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

“As City Tyre, we are proud to support badminton and other sports. Our players have represented Uganda at prestigious events like the All-Africa Games and the World Junior Championships in China last month,” Bashasha stated. He also emphasized City Tyre’s 100% sponsorship of the tournament and expressed confidence in defending their title in the corporate category.

Trophies for the City Tyre East African Challenge that started today on October 17 at Lugogo Indoor Arena. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

Uganda Badminton Association (UBA) CEO Simon Mugabi praised City Tyres for their continued financial support of the sport. Mugabi noted the tournament's growth, with participants including school teams, national players, professionals, expatriates, universities, and corporate teams.

CEO of City Tyres Vankatesh Kumar welcoming Kenyan player John Apollo who came to compete in the City Tyre East African Challenge Badminton at Lugogo Indoor Arena. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

The event aims to foster talent identification, development, and regional cooperation. Kenyan player John Apollo from Kisumu emphasized the importance of the tournament, adding that winners and runners-up would receive both team and individual trophies. The tournament will conclude on Sunday.

The Marketing Manager of City Tyres, Herbert Bashasha (right with racket) and Sathick Jahabar at Lugogo Indoor Arena. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka