By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Indian players delivered a commanding performance at the 9th Lagos International Badminton Classics, winning three of the five titles on offer at the prestigious international tournament.
Tankara Talasila led India’s impressive showing by claiming the men’s singles title after defeating compatriot and training partner Hmar Laithazuala in a fiercely contested final.
India also swept the women’s doubles and mixed doubles categories. Sisters Rutaparna and Swetaparna Panda defeated fellow Indians Kwripriya Selvam and Simpran Singhi to win the women’s doubles crown.
In the mixed doubles final, Dhuv Ramat and Katie Maneesha emerged champions after overcoming compatriots Sathwik Kanapuram and Radhike Sharma.
The remaining two titles went to the United Arab Emirates and Thailand. Nineteen-year-old Prakriti Bharath of the UAE defeated Czech Republic’s Petra Maixnerova to win the women’s singles title.
Thailand’s Thanawin Madee and Madee Pongsakom claimed the men’s doubles crown after beating UAE pair Bharath Latheesh and Dev Vishnu in the final.
Speaking at the close of the competition, Badminton Federation of Nigeria board member Lekan Abdul praised the federation, sponsors and organisers for successfully staging the tournament.
“Today, we are not just celebrating the finals but excellence, sportsmanship and profound sports organisation,” Abdul said.
“We celebrate all the athletes who participated in this epic tournament. They all competed well, both the winners and the rest.
“Initially, it was almost impossible for us to host this tournament, but we thank the BFN family for their efforts. Everybody put in their best.”
Abdul also acknowledged the support of sponsors, including GIG Logistics, Rapid Logistics, Noble Serve Finance Ltd. and Sovereign Trust Insurance, as well as the National Institute for Sports for hosting the competition.
Men’s singles champion Talasila described his victory as special, admitting 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,” Talasila said.
“The win came at a difficult moment because I was playing against a friend and training partner who knows the pattern of my game. It made the match difficult, but in the end, Nigeria is special.”
Dignitaries at the event included the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, the commission’s Director of Competition, Nunayon Travih, and members of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria board.
