The Uganda Badminton Association (UBA) has confirmed that its women’s team will proudly represent the nation in the prestigious Thomas & Uber Cup tournament, set to take place in China. Simon Mugabi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Association, expressed excitement over this opportunity, highlighting its significance for Uganda’s badminton athletes.
Following the withdrawal of South Africa from the tournament, Uganda, which clinched second place in the All Africa Championship, secured its spot in the Uber Cup category. Mugabi emphasized the importance of this development, noting that it provides the women’s team with a chance to compete at the highest level and earn valuable ranking points, thereby enhancing their prospects of qualifying for the Paris Olympics 2024.
China will serve as the host country for the 2024 Thomas & Uber Cup, the prestigious biennial badminton championship organized by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The tournament will be held in Chengdu from April 28th to May 5th, 2024, showcasing top talent from around the globe.
Uganda’s women’s badminton team has been on a remarkable journey, recently achieving success at the 13th edition of the African Games in Accra, Ghana. Husnah Kobugabe and Gladys Mbabazi secured Uganda’s first gold medal in the doubles event, further adding to their accolades with silver and bronze medals in the singles category.
Mugabi revealed that the team’s preparations have been intensive, with the players participating in international tournaments such as the French Orleans Masters and the Madrid Spain Masters 2024. Despite financial challenges, the players are determined to represent Uganda with dedication and skill on the global stage.
However, Mugabi acknowledged the limitations faced by the team, citing financial constraints that have resulted in a reduced squad size and the absence of a coach for the tournament. Despite these challenges, the team remains undeterred in their commitment to excel and make Uganda proud at the Thomas & Uber Cup.
