Kenya's badminton team has returned home with a silver medal from the BCA Region 5 AirBadminton Championships held in Entebbe, Uganda. The team, led by head coach Brijesh Sonigra, put up a strong performance throughout the tournament, ultimately losing to the host nation in the final. Sonigra expressed pride in his team's achievement, acknowledging that this was their first AirBadminton competition.
The final match against Uganda was a closely contested encounter, with Kenya ultimately losing 60-52. Despite the loss, Sonigra praised his players for their performance, saying they gave their best effort. He acknowledged the advantage enjoyed by the hosts but expressed optimism about the team's future prospects. Sonigra noted that the team gained valuable experience and had the opportunity to meet other good players and coaches.
Kenya made a strong start in the women's triples, with Yvonne Mwikali, Blessing Buyanzi, and captain Jacinta Sengera securing a 15-3 victory over Rwanda. The men's side also had a successful outing, with Captain Sammy Sikoyo and Edwin Akwanyi winning the men's doubles 30-13 against Yves Niyomukiza and Hervé Tuyizere. Sengera and Buyanzi then triumphed 45-18 in the women's doubles.
Kenya maintained their momentum against Comoros, with Sengera and Mwikali winning the women's doubles 15-4. In the men's triples, Simiyu, Sikoyo, and Akwanyi defeated Bacar Chamsidine, Mounya Kamardine, and Said Mohamed 30-11. The women's triples team also won 45-11, while Simiyu and Akwanyi claimed victory in the men's doubles, beating Bacar Chamsidine and Ibrahim El-Haya 60-16.
On the final day of the tournament, Kenya defeated Burundi 60-41 before facing unbeaten hosts Uganda in the decisive encounter. Uganda eventually secured the gold medal after beating Kenya 60-52, leaving Sonigra's team with silver. Despite the loss, Sonigra expressed pride in his team's achievement and looked forward to their next tournament.
The BCA Region 5 AirBadminton Championships featured teams from various countries in the region, competing in a round-robin format. Kenya's team demonstrated their skills and potential, and Sonigra is optimistic about their chances in future tournaments. The team's performance is a positive sign for Kenyan badminton, and fans will be eagerly anticipating their next outing.
Kenya will now turn its attention to the 2026 Kampala International Badminton Tournament, scheduled for September 24 to 27 at Lugogo Indoor Stadium. The tournament will bring together players from various countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Myanmar, Luxembourg, India, Iran, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Algeria, the United States, and Malaysia. The tournament will feature competitions in men's singles, women's singles, women's doubles, men's doubles, and mixed doubles.
Key points
- Kenya's badminton team won a silver medal at the BCA Region 5 AirBadminton Championships.
- The team, led by coach Brijesh Sonigra, lost to Uganda in the final.
- Kenya will next compete in the 2026 Kampala International Badminton Tournament.
