Indian Shuttlers Assert Dominance at 9th Lagos Badminton Classics

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

Indian players stole the spotlight at the 9th Lagos International Badminton Classics, walking away with three titles as the curtain came down on the international championship in Lagos.

The Asian powerhouse dominated the podium in the men’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles, underlining its strength across the different categories of the competition.

Tankara Talasila completed the Indian charge in the men’s singles after overcoming fellow countryman Hmar Laithazuala in an all-Indian final.

The contest carried an added layer of difficulty for Talasila, who had to face a player he regularly trains with.

Despite their familiarity with each other’s games, Talasila held his nerve to secure the championship on his first competitive appearance in Nigeria.

Reflecting on the victory, the Indian said the familiarity between both players made the final especially demanding.

“I feel so happy winning this competition, being my first time in Africa and Nigeria, but the win came at a difficult moment, playing against a friend and training partner.

“I played against a good friend who knows the pattern of my playing, which made it difficult for me, but in the end, Nigeria is special,” Talasila said.

The women’s doubles final also ended with an Indian victory as sisters Rutaparna and Swetaparna Panda combined effectively to defeat fellow Indians Kwripriya Selvam and Simpran Singhi.

India completed its three-title haul in the mixed doubles, where Dhuv Ramat and Katie Maneesha prevailed over compatriots Sathwik Kanapuram and Radhike Sharma.

The two remaining titles went to players representing the UAE and Thailand.

In the women’s singles, teenage sensation Prakriti Bharath, 19, representing the UAE, defeated Petra Maixnerova of Czechia to secure the championship.

Thailand’s Thanawin Madee and Madee Pongsakom then ensured that the men’s doubles crown went their way after defeating UAE representatives Bharath Latheesh and Dev Vishnu.

Beyond the action on court, the championship also received praise for the organisational efforts behind its staging.

BFN board member Lekan Abdul credited the Lagos State Government for its longstanding backing of the tournament, while also acknowledging the contribution of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and the National Institute for Sports.

According to Abdul, Lagos State has supported the event from its maiden edition, providing an important foundation for its continued growth.

He said the successful completion of the ninth edition was particularly significant because organisers had faced serious challenges before the tournament eventually got underway.

Abdul also expressed appreciation to sponsors AVIS, Rapide Logistics, Noble Serve Finance Ltd. and Sovereign Trust Insurance for responding to the federation’s appeal for support.

He described the championship as a celebration of sporting excellence and fair play, praising both the winners and other competitors for their commitment throughout the tournament.

Attention has now shifted towards the 10th edition, with organisers hoping to further strengthen the tournament’s international standing and attract even greater participation.

The closing ceremony was attended by Lagos State Sports Commission Director-General Lekan Fatodu, Director of Competition Nunayon Travih and members of the BFN board, among other dignitaries.