From Muyiwa Adegbite, Lagos
Indian shuttlers dominated the 9th Lagos International Badminton Classics, claiming three of the five titles at stake as the tournament ended in Lagos State.
Tankara Talasila led the Indian charge, defeating compatriot and training partner Hmar Laithazuala in a keenly contested men’s singles final to secure the gold medal.
India also secured the women’s doubles title, where sisters Rutaparna and Swetaparna Panda defeated fellow Indians Kwripriya Selvam and Simpran Singhi to claim the championship.
The mixed doubles title also went to India as Dhuv Ramat and Katie Maneesha overcame compatriots Sathwik Kanapuram and Radhike Sharma in the final.
In the women’s singles event, 19-year-old Prakriti Bharath of the United Arab Emirates defeated Petra Maixnerova of Czechia to win the title.
Thailand claimed the men’s doubles crown, with Thanawin Madee and Madee Pongsakom defeating the UAE pair of Bharath Latheesh and Dev Vishnu in the final.
Speaking at the conclusion of the competition, a board member of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Lekan Abdul, praised the Lagos State Government and the federation for successfully hosting the ninth edition of the international championship.
According to him, the Lagos State Government has remained a major supporter of the competition since its maiden edition.
“The Lagos State Government has been the major sponsor from the very first edition of this tournament and till now we are still enjoying the same support as we look forward to the 10th edition of the championship next year,” Abdul said.
He described the conclusion of the tournament as a celebration of sporting excellence, sportsmanship and quality organisation.
Abdul also commended the athletes for their performances and appreciated the sponsors, including AVIS, Rapide Logistics, Noble Serve Finance Ltd. and Sovereign Trust Insurance, for supporting the tournament.
He said the championship initially faced challenges that threatened its staging but credited members of the BFN and other stakeholders for ensuring its successful organisation.
“We also thank our host, the National Institute for Sports, for being a wonderful host,” he added.
Meanwhile, men’s singles champion Talasila described his victory as a special moment, particularly as it was his first visit to both Africa and Nigeria.
The Indian player admitted that facing his friend and training partner in the final made the contest particularly difficult.
“I feel so happy winning this competition, being my first time in Africa and Nigeria, but the win came at a difficult moment, playing against a friend and training partner,” Talasila said.
“I played against a good friend who knows the pattern of my playing, which made it difficult for me, but in the end, Nigeria is special.”
Among dignitaries who attended the event were the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu; the commission’s Director of Competition, Nunayon Travih; and other members of the BFN board.