By Joshua Kato
The 8th edition of the 2025 Uganda Para-Badminton International, held from July 1-6 at the MTN Lugogo Indoor Arena, was dominated by Indian players.
The tournament featured participants from 10 countries worldwide, including Sweden, Peru, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, India, Estonia, Egypt, DR Congo, Cameroon, and Brazil.
Indian players won a total of 22 medals, showcasing their exceptional skills and dominance in the sport. Peru was the second-best-performing country, winning eight medals, while Uganda’s team also put up a good fight, winning eight medals in different categories.
Simon Mugabi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Badminton Association (UBA), praised the tournament’s success, saying it provided local players with valuable exposure.
Uganda may not have topped the medal table, but its spirited performance stole the spotlight at the Plascon energized Uganda Para Badminton International 2025, clinching nine medals on the final tournament day.
Held from July 1–6 at the Lugogo Indoor Arena in Kampala, the tournament attracted top para-badminton players from around the world.
India dominated the competition, sweeping multiple golds in singles, doubles, and mixed categories. But it was Uganda’s resilience and rising talent that won hearts.
Uganda’s medal tally
Gold (1)
• Sarah Nazziwa – WS – WH 1 + WH 2 – WS – WH
Silver (3)
•Sumin Mutesi and Elizabeth Mwesigwa – Women’s Doubles SL3-SU5 (Exhibition)
•Elizabeth Mwesigwa – Women’s Singles SL3
•Sylvia Nakanda (with India’s Haris Mythili Srikumar) – Mixed Doubles WH1-WH2
Bronze (5)
•Juliet Mary Namunoga – Women’s Singles SL3
•Merida Nakaima Birungi – Women’s Singles SL3
•Harriet Nakayima – Women’s Singles SL4
•Julius Obura – Men’s Singles SL4
•Hassan Mubiru – Men’s Singles SL4
Mwesigwa and Mutesi impressed with silver in the exhibition doubles, displaying strong chemistry and determination. Mwesigwa also made it to the singles final in the SL3 category, narrowly losing to India’s Amudha Saravanan.
Sarah Nazziwa also dominated Slyvia Nakanda 2-0 to clinch the WS – WH 1 + WH 2 – WS – WH title
In the men’s SL4, Obura and Mubiru earned Uganda double bronze with tenacious performances against tough international opponents.
India’s Commanding Performance
India’s squad dominated across the board. Standouts like Karan Paneer, Amudha Saravanan, Swati Swati, and Shashank Kumar racked up medals, sweeping some singles events and securing multiple doubles golds.
Peru also showed strength, especially in the SL3, SL4, and SU5 categories.
Earning eight medals, including several in individual events, signaled major progress in para-badminton.
With this boost in confidence, Uganda now turns to the upcoming Africa Para-Badminton Championships and the 2026 World Circuit.
The long-term goal, qualifying for the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.
