Uganda wins Africa Schools Badminton Championship

KAMPALA, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's Kakungulu Memorial Secondary School has won the gold at the on-going 2017 Africa Schools Badminton Championship in the capital Kampala.

Led by Uganda's Under 19 top player Ibrahim Kasirye, Kakungulu Memorial Secondary School beat Saint Esprit College from Mauritius 3-2 in the final on Wednesday night.

"I am happy that as hosts we have retained the boys gold medal here," a happy Kasirye told Xinhua.

In the girls final, Uganda's Mbogo High School lost to Oshwal Academy (Kenya) 3-1.

Kibuli High School (Uganda), Egypt International School's boys and girls teams, together with Malbereign Girls (Zimbabwe) all won bronze medals.

The tournament which started on Monday and ends on Friday will also have the individual events where Uganda's Kasirye will be eager to retain his gold medal won in Zambia last year.

Besides the hosts Uganda, the other nations taking part include Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Ghana.

"We are happy to have seven foreign nations send players for this event in Uganda. This means that the Badminton Confederation of Africa has confidence in us that we have what it takes to host international events," said Simon Mugabi, the chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Badminton Association.

Nicholas Muramagi, the general secretary of the National Council of Sports also praised the badminton body for being able to host as many international tournaments as possible which has exposed the local players better.