Africa Launches ‘Road to LA 2028’ Badminton Program
Africa Sets Sights on Olympic Badminton Glory with ‘Road to LA 2028’
Abuja,nigeria – The Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) launched its ambitious “Road to LA 2028” program this weekend,aiming to secure the continent’s first-ever Olympic badminton medals at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
The program, emphasizing early preparation, resource mobilization, and talent development, seeks to transform Africa’s presence on the global badminton stage.
Held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, the launch event brought together key stakeholders from across the continent, with Nigeria leading the charge as host.
“In Africa, we rarely plan four years ahead for the Olympics due to challenges like funding and resources,” said Kingston Mulenga, BCA’s deputy president from Zambia. “Nigeria’s leadership in hosting and championing this program is groundbreaking. This initiative offers a roadmap for other African nations to emulate, ensuring that our athletes are prepared to compete at the highest level.”
Francis orbih, president of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) and BCA Council member, highlighted the inspiration behind the program.
“Eniola Bolaji’s bronze medal at paris 2024 was a watershed moment for African badminton,” Orbih said. “It showed that with the right preparation and support, Africa can succeed on the global stage. This program is about sustaining and surpassing that success.Starting early and pooling resources are critical to achieving our goals.”
Orbih emphasized the collective effort required to transform African badminton. “With support from the government, corporate sponsors, and individuals, I believe we can make Africa a global badminton powerhouse. Success attracts more success, and now is the time to invest in our athletes and their future.”
The event was attended by prominent figures in Nigerian sports, including NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and NOC President Habu Gumel, alongside African champion Anuoluwapo Opeyori.
Road to LA 2028: Can Africa Secure its first Olympic Badminton Medals?
Abuja, nigeria – The Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) has launched an enterprising program, ”Road to LA 2028″, aimed at securing the continent’s first-ever Olympic badminton medals at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.This program, focused on early preparation, resource mobilization, and talent advancement, represents a important shift for African badminton.
Speaking at the launch event held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja - hosted by Nigeria, a leading force in the initiative – BCA’s Deputy President, Kingston mulenga from Zambia, highlighted the program’s groundbreaking nature.
“In Africa, we rarely plan four years ahead for the Olympics due to challenges like funding and resources. Nigeria’s leadership in hosting and championing this program is groundbreaking.This initiative offers a roadmap for other African nations to emulate, ensuring that our athletes are prepared to compete at the highest level,” Mulenga said.
Francis Orbih, President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) and BCA Council member, emphasized the inspiration behind the program.
“Eniola Bolaji’s bronze medal at Paris 2024 was a watershed moment for African badminton.It showed that wiht the right preparation and support,Africa can succeed on the global stage. This program is about sustaining and surpassing that success. Starting early and pooling resources are critical to achieving our goals,” Orbih stated.
Orbih stressed the need for collective effort to transform African badminton.
“With support from the government, corporate sponsors, and individuals, I believe we can make Africa a global badminton powerhouse. Success attracts more success, and now is the time to invest in our athletes and their future,” he added.
The event was attended by key figures in Nigerian sports, including NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and NOC President Habu Gumel, alongside African badminton champion Anuoluwapo Opeyori.