Badminton in Uganda is continuing to grow from the grassroots, with the Shuttle Time programme taking the sport into more schools and communities while Ugandan players simultaneously test themselves on the international stage.

The latest Shuttle Time workshop in Namutumba District provided teachers with practical badminton skills and a fresh appreciation of the sport, reinforcing Badminton Uganda’s ambition to see badminton played in schools across every part of the country. The programme, held at Kaswabuli Senior Secondary School in the Busoga region, brought together teachers for two days of training and exposure. 

For some participants, it was their first real interaction with badminton. Teachers left the programme with skills they could take back to their schools, with several expressing plans to establish badminton clubs and introduce the game to their learners.

Nangobi Betty of Namutumba Progressive School described the experience as an opportunity to acquire skills she had not previously possessed, including how to use the racket and shuttlecock. She said she was looking forward to passing those skills on to her students. 

At Kaswabuli Senior Secondary School, host teacher MaginoIsaac said the workshop had provided valuable exposure to a sport the school had not expected to experience at that level. The school is now looking towards participating in badminton competitions from the next school term. 

The programme is also challenging the perception that badminton is only for young or highly athletic people. Participants highlighted the sport’s accessibility and its potential to bring together people of different ages and abilities, with even participants above 60 showing interest in taking up the game. 

According to Badminton Uganda CEO Mugabe Simon, the Shuttle Time programme is part of a wider national effort to develop badminton through schools and districts. The organisation aims to continue expanding its reach, training teachers and creating a stronger foundation for the sport at grassroots level. 

The impact of the programme is already extending beyond playing. Faali Penina, who encountered badminton for the first time during the workshop, said she intended to establish the sport as a school club and had even developed an interest in pursuing umpiring. 

Kisiki College Namutumba PE teacher Kipilimo Tonny also said the training had equipped him with skills that could help him coach players and prepare them for competition at school, district, regional and national levels. He further pointed to badminton’s contribution to physical fitness and healthy living. 

Fadila at the World Stage

While Shuttle Time was working to create the next generation of Ugandan badminton players, Fadila Shamika Mohamed Rafi represented Uganda at the 2026 BWF World Championships, where she faced Malaysia’s Karupathevan Letshanaa in the Round of 64.

It was a demanding first-round encounter against a high-level Malaysian opponent, with Letshanaa securing a 2–0 victory. She won the opening game 21–11 before taking the second 21–7, bringing Fadila’s championship campaign to an end in the Round of 64. 

But beyond the result, Fadila viewed the experience as an important opportunity to measure herself against world-class opposition.

Speaking after the match, she acknowledged the intensity of facing a player from one of badminton’s strongest regions and said the encounter provided valuable lessons at the highest level. She maintained that she gave her best and fought throughout the match. 

Fadila will now take some rest before she goes on her next challenge as Shuttle Time moves to Bugweri district this weekend.

The post Uganda’s Badminton: Growing the Game, Flying the Flag appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih has disclosed that Paralympic Games bronze medallist Eniola Bolaji has stayed back in Peru to attend a high-level para badminton training camp.

READ ALSO: Eniola Bolaji’s Outing At Peru International Cited As Another Major Step In Her Build-up Towards 2028 Paralympics

Bolaji defeated Brazil’s Kauana Beckenkamp 2-0 (21-12, 21-12) on Sunday, August 9, to emerge champion of the Peru Para Badminton International 2026.

Orbih explained that the training camp is being organised through a partnership between the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA), Badminton PanAm and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN).

He said: “Eniola will be staying back in Peru until August 15 to attend a training camp courtesy of the BCA, Badminton PanAm and BFN.”

He described the camp as a high-level programme designed for top para badminton players, adding that it would form an important part of Bolaji’s preparations for the remaining competitions of the year.

Orbih said: “It is a high-level para badminton camp for top para badminton players.

“This is part of her preparation to end the year on a high note, with the Thailand and Indonesia championships coming up later in the year”.

The post Para Badminton: Eniola Bolaji stays back to attend training camp in Peru – Orbih appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Nigeria’s badminton star and five-time African champion, Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori, has offered a heartfelt reflection on the often-overlooked realities of life as a professional athlete, urging fans and stakeholders to appreciate the sacrifices that come long before podium finishes and championship celebrations.

Opeyori, who began playing badminton alongside his brother in 2005 before earning a place in Nigeria’s senior national team in 2017, has enjoyed a glittering career that includes five African Championship men’s singles titles, two African Games gold medals, and appearances at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He also served as Nigeria’s team captain and flag bearer during the Parade of Nations at the Paris Olympics.

Sports247 reports that in a thoughtful message shared on his social media platforms, the Nigerian international reflected on the emotional and personal cost of pursuing excellence in elite sport.

“Athletes are often celebrated only in moments of victory, but rarely appreciated for the countless sacrifices that make those victories possible,” Opeyori wrote.

He explained that for many elite athletes, life revolves almost entirely around training, competition, travel and recovery, leaving little opportunity to develop other career paths or personal interests.

According to Opeyori, while many athletes dream of reaching the highest level of their sport, the reality after achieving those ambitions is often far different from what they imagined.

“The excitement of ‘I made it’ fades much faster than expected. You begin to question whether all the years of sacrifice, discipline and hardship truly led to the fulfilment you imagined,” he stated.

The decorated badminton player noted that public recognition is often short-lived, while the years of hard work, pain and commitment that produced those achievements are quickly forgotten.

He stressed that his message was neither a complaint nor a plea for sympathy, but rather an honest reflection on the realities faced by athletes throughout their careers.

“Perhaps it is time we recognise athletes not only for the medals they win, but also for the resilience, discipline and personal sacrifices that define the journey long before anyone is there to say, ‘Congratulations,’” he concluded.

Opeyori’s message has resonated with many within the sporting community, serving as a timely reminder that behind every medal lies years of dedication, perseverance and unseen sacrifice.

The post ‘Recognise the Journey, Not Just the Medals” – Nigerian Badminton Star Anuoluwapo Opeyori Reflects on Athletes’ Sacrifices appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.