As Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, prepares to welcome some of the world’s top para badminton athletes, the Commissioner for Sports and Social Development, Nwaobilor Nwadinma Ananaba, has declared the state’s readiness to become Africa’s hub for the sport. The twin events, the maiden Abia Para Badminton International Tournament and the All-African Para Badminton Championships, are sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA). They will take place from September 30 to October 12 at the newly refurbished International Conference Centre in Umuahia. These include the 5th Abia National Open Para Badminton Championship, which served as a test run for the facility. Both the Federal Medical Centre and Abia State Specialist Hospital are partnering us to provide medical support.