Host state, Abia, emerged overall champions at the 5th edition of the National Open Para-Badminton Championship, which concluded on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Umuahia, the Abia State capital. Abia topped the medal table with an impressive haul of 17 medals — 5 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze.
Plateau State came second with 8 medals (4 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze), while Ogun State secured third place with 5 medals (3 gold, 2 bronze). Kwara followed in fourth with 3 gold medals, and Imo rounded off the top five with a total of 9 medals (1 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze).
Other states on the medal table include:
Rivers – 6th place with 3 medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze)
Kebbi – 7th place with 2 medals (1 gold, 1 silver)
Delta – 8th place with 1 gold medal
Akwa Ibom – 9th place with 2 silver medals
Bayelsa – 10th place with 5 medals (1 silver, 4 bronze)
Lagos – 11th with 1 silver and 1 bronze
Anambra – 12th with 1 silver
Taraba – 13th with 1 bronze
Ebonyi – 14th with no medal
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Chief Okey Kanu, described the event as a celebration of talent, resilience, and inclusivity. He praised the athletes for their determination and urged them to see themselves as heroes. He also commended the State Sports Commissioner, the Local Organising Committee, the Abia State Badminton Association, and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria for their efforts in delivering a successful championship.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, the State Badminton Association Chairman, Mr. Abel Sunday, and the National Para-Badminton Coordinator, Mr. Samuel Ekeoma, expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for his commitment to sports development and his support for budding talents and para-athletes.
Also present at the ceremony were the President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Francis Orbih, and the Director of Para-Sports at the National Sports Commission, Mrs. Thecla Opara, who applauded the state government for creating an enabling environment for para-sports to thrive.
A highlight of the event was a thrilling exhibition match featuring Olympic bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji and Ayuba Yahaya, who triumphed over Odinakachi Uwalaka and James Akpan in the SL3 final. Goodwill messages were also delivered by partners and dignitaries, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups, the Abia State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Sports, and the President of the Para Powerlifting Federation of Nigeria.
The four-day championship, which began on Monday, July 14, concluded on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
Meanwhile, Abia is set to host two more major events: the 1st Abia Para-Badminton International Championship from September 30 to October 5, followed by the All Africa Para-Badminton Championship from October 6 to 12.
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