Badminton Fever Grips Cotonou: National Championships Deliver Thrilling Matches
over 200 badminton enthusiasts from across benin descended upon Cotonou’s Centre des jeunes et des loisirs d’Agla on December 21st and 22nd, 2024, for the highly anticipated National Badminton and Para-badminton Championships. The event showcased the nation’s top talent battling it out in intense doubles mixed, men’s singles, and women’s singles matches. Spectators were treated to a weekend of exhilarating rallies and nail-biting finishes, culminating in a celebratory medal ceremony honoring the champions.
The competition was fierce, with athletes displaying remarkable skill and determination. Oswald Fano Dosh emerged victorious in the men’s singles category, dethroning reigning champion Carlos ahouagassi in a decisive two-set victory. This triumph solidified Dosh’s position as a force to be reckoned with in Benin’s badminton scene.
In a stunning upset, Gladys Akakpo etched her name in the history books by defeating the formidable Pascaline Vitou to claim the women’s singles title. This marked Akakpo’s first victory over Vitou, signifying a changing of the guard in women’s badminton and promising an exciting future for the sport.
Benin Badminton: A Rising Force on the Court
The recent national badminton championships in Benin showcased the remarkable talent and dedication of the country’s young athletes.the event, a testament to the federation’s commitment to developing the sport, saw notable performances across various age categories, solidifying Benin’s position as a rising force in African badminton.
Leading the charge was Gladys Akakpo, who secured a resounding victory in the senior mixed doubles category alongside her partner Oswald Fano-Dosh. This triumph adds to akakpo’s already impressive resume, following her dominant performance at the African Schools championship where she clinched five gold medals.
The younger generation also shone brightly. Athletes from northern Benin dominated the U15 and U17 categories, both for boys and girls, demonstrating the widespread growth of badminton across the nation. This success aligns perfectly with the Ministry of Sports’ vision for developing the sport and nurturing future champions.The federation’s focus on youth progress was further highlighted by the impressive showing of the para-badminton cadets. Armand Hounkpe, the federation’s Secretary General, expressed his satisfaction with the cadets’ performance, emphasizing the federation’s unwavering commitment to their progress.
The federation’s Treasurer General underscored the importance of the arbiters,acknowledging their crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of the championship despite infrastructural challenges.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to regional and international competitions. The federation is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to its athletes, empowering them to excel on the global stage.
Medalists at the Benin National Badminton Championships:
Badminton
U15 Girls
1st: Nazirath Yarou Orou (Gazelle BC)
2nd: arnaude Danhouan (Dynamo BC/Agla)
3rd: Mérite Hounsougaga (Dynamo BC/Agla)
4th: Marthe Adjibode (Antilope BC)
U15 Boys
1st: Rivarol Noukpo (gazelle BC)
2nd: Julien Dehoumon (Antilope BC)
3rd: Harias Assogba (AOE)
4th: Rodrigue Ayitchedehou (Esperence BC)
U17 Girls
1st: Ouzefath Seidou (Gazelle BC)
2nd: Moukiath Bayaki (Tuko sari BC)
3rd: Naomie Marete (Tuko Sari BC)
4th: Lamatou Gerard (Gazelle BC)
U17 Boys
1st: Expedit Kpanou (Warriors BC)
2nd: Paul N’Dah (Tuko Sari BC)
3rd: Ange-Victoir Yombo (Warriors BC)
4th: Junior Dossou (Gazelle BC)
senior Doubles Mixed
1st: Oswald Fano-Dosh and Gladys Akakpo (AOE/CANON BC)
2nd: Carlos Ahouangassi and Ruth Zannou (Leader BC)
3rd: Jeredy S. Bassa and Blessing Atchade (Espoir BC/Warriors BC)
4th: Carlos Kpanou and Hilary Fabossou (Warriors BC)
Benin Badminton Championships Conclude with Thrilling finals
the 2023 Benin Badminton championships wrapped up with intense competition across various categories,showcasing the nation’s burgeoning badminton talent.
Senior Singles: A Battle for Supremacy
in the Senior Singles division, Gladys Akakpo from CANON BC emerged victorious in the women’s category, securing the top spot. Pascaline Vitou (2AB) claimed the runner-up position, followed by Hilary Fabossou (AOE) in third and Flora Kpogbemabou (Espoir BC) in fourth.
The men’s Senior Singles saw Oswald Fano-Dosh (AOE) dominate the court, clinching the championship title. Carlos ahouangassi (Leader BC) secured a commendable second place, while Préféret Adomahou (Amitié BC) and Carlos Kpanou (Warriors BC) rounded out the top four.
parabadminton: Athletes Shine on the International Stage
The Parabadminton competition was equally captivating, with athletes demonstrating remarkable skill and determination.
In the SH6 category, HOUNKPE Edgard (AOE) reigned supreme, claiming the gold medal. BOUKARY Farid and SEGBE kekely, both representing Dynamo BC Calavi, secured the second and third positions respectively. SEGUN Thomas (Kass BC) finished fourth.
The SU5-SL4 category witnessed a thrilling battle, with CODJO Charbel (2AB) ultimately emerging victorious. ASSOGBA Alid (AS Winner) secured the silver medal, while OLOUKOU Amandine (Warriors BC) and AHONOUKOUN Damien (AOE) finished third and fourth respectively.
The SL3 category saw AWO Eliézer dynamo (BC Calavi) claim the top spot, followed by WENOUCOUND Cornelia (AOE) in second. BOYA Grace (AOC) and LOKO Précieux (Antilope BC) completed the top four.
The Benin Badminton Championships not only showcased exceptional athleticism but also highlighted the growing popularity and competitiveness of badminton in the country. With such impressive performances, Benin’s badminton athletes are poised to make their mark on the international stage.
Benin Badminton Rises From the Court: A National Championship Recap
the 2024 Benin National Badminton and Para-badminton championships held in Cotonou were more than just a sporting event; they were a powerful testament to the burgeoning badminton talent bursting forth from the West African nation. Over 200 athletes, judges, and moderators turned the Center des jeunes et des loisirs d’Agla into a cauldron of competitive energy over two electrifying days.
From seasoned veterans to fresh-faced prodigy, the competition showcased a compelling mix of established dominance and exciting upsets.Oswald Fano Dosh asserted his authority in the men’s singles, dethroning the reigning champion, Carlos Ahouagassi, in a display of tactical brilliance. Yet, the most significant shift in power came in the women’s singles category. In a stunning upset,gladys Akakpo not only claimed the title but also broke pascaline Vitou’s long reign,signaling a new era for Benin women’s badminton. This historic victory adds to Akakpo’s already impressive resume, which includes a dominant performance at the African Schools Championship were she secured five gold medals.
The future of Benin badminton appears even brighter when looking beyond the senior categories. Young athletes from Northern Benin demonstrated overwhelming dominance in the U15 and U17 categories for both boys and girls, embodying the sport’s growing national appeal.This widespread success demonstrates the effectiveness of the federation’s grassroots advancement programs, perfectly aligning with the Ministry of Sports’ vision for nurturing future champions.
Furthermore, the federation’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity was evident in the impressive showing of the para-badminton cadets, highlighted by Secretary General Armand Hounkpe. This focus on accessibility ensures that talent flourishes across all segments of society.
The success of the tournament can be attributed not only to the athletes but also to the tireless efforts of the officials. the Treasurer General rightfully acknowledged the crucial role played by the arbiters, emphasizing their dedication despite infrastructural challenges.
Looking ahead,the Benin Badminton Federation has set its sights on international recognition. The focus now shifts to regional and international competitions,where Benin’s athletes will eager to showcase their skills on the global stage. With a strong foundation built on youth development, inclusivity, and unwavering dedication, Benin badminton is poised to become a force to be reckoned with in the world of shuttlecock and racquet.
