Kenya: Nation’s International Championships Attracts 20 Countries

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Star Reporter

23 June 2011

Over 20 countries have confirmed participation in the annual Kenya International badminton championships starting tomorrow at the Moi International Sports Centre Complex, Kasarani.

The event will feature some of the top teams in the world including – Hungary, India, US, Turkey, Russia, Vietnam, Iran, Croatia, Peru, Czech Republic, Iceland Mauritius, South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria and hosts Kenya.

Others are Russia, Peru, Slovakia and Vietnam. Kenya Badminton Association (KBA) secretary-general, Peter Gacheru said that local players will be using the championship, which end on Sunday to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.”The event will provide a useful opportunity for our players to earn world ranking points in a bid to qualify for the London Games scheduled for July 2012,” said Gacheru. So far, over 100 players have confirmed participation among whom 75 are foreigners. “We have confirmed entries from all over the world as this is a big tournament.”

Kenya will be represented by the seasoned doubles top men Orwaru Abner and Patel Himesh as well as Anthony Njenga and Kinyua Seaman. Abner represented the country during 2010 International tournament. Ladies doubles will see the veterans Naomi Kemunto and Wanjiru Sheila fly Kenya’s flag with the help of Teresina Cate and Onyango Joan. In men’s singles, Victor Odera, Petal Jiten, Mugambi Raphael and Muthomi Alfred will be Kenya’s hope while women’s singles will feature Mercy Joseph, Okatete Maureen, Gakii Sheila and Mangeni Jemima. The team of the local players has been in residential training at the Premier Club Nairobi under coach John Odhiambo. The KBA chairperson Anna Maina said the players will need to up their game as they will be pitted against world’s best. “We are optimistic our players will hack it this time round,” she said.

Internationally, Susan Ideh though not ranked highly, was this year’s African champion in Morocco and will obviously be one of the players to watch in women singles. She, however, faces great challenge from Karen Foo Kune of Mauritius, who is ranked 143 in the world and 4th in this event. Kune will be fighting for her second appearance at the Olympics. In the men doubles, Africa top seeds Dorian James and Willem Viljoen remain on course to make it to the Olympics. The winners of the tournament will earn world ranking points and qualification for the 2012 London Olympic Games plus cash reward of US$5,000 (Sh455,000)

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