Three neighbouring countries have been invited to take part in the first ever Tanzania Open badminton championship. The tournament is scheduled for January 31 to February 1, this year at the Anadil Burhani ground in Dar es Salaam.
One of the tournament organisers, Tony Desouza, said they have invited Kenya, Uganda and Zambia, who are expected to join hosts Tanzania.
He said that local players are in intensive training ready for the prestigious tournament which the badminton fraternity anxiously waits for.
“Preparations are on top gear to stage the event in Dar es Salaam. It will be the first international event after a long time,” he said.
He added that the event will be open to both men and women players, who will compete in the singles, doubles and mixed double.
The deadline for confirming participation is January 20 as entry fee is 5,000/- for singles and 10,000/- for doubles.
“We look forward to the championship to supporting efforts being taken to promote and revive the game in the country,” Desouza said.
Tanzania used to be one of the highly rated badminton countries in Africa but it nosedived for a long time.
However, since 2013 players and well-wishers collaborated with the interim committee to organise several local events in a bid to give the sport a new lease of life.
Top local players like Desouza and Hassanal Mawoko will be Tanzania’s main hope during the event. Mawoko travelled to different countries last year to feature in tournaments that helped him gain the much needed experience.
BY MBONILE BURTON, Tanzania Daily News