Since badminton’s induction into the Olympic Games in 1992, its global reach has been steadily expanding, drawing participation from diverse corners of the world. While traditional powerhouses have long dominated the sport, Africa’s journey in Olympic badminton is a riveting narrative of growth, challenges, and untapped potential.
A Historical Perspective
Africa’s tryst with Olympic badminton commenced with the sport’s debut as a demonstration event in the Barcelona Games of 1992. Since then, African athletes have been carving their niche, striving to qualify and leave an indelible mark on the grandest sporting stage. In that event in 1992, only 2 African nations were proudly represented, and they were Mauritius and South Africa. Representing Mauritius was Édouard Clarisse, Martine de Souza and Vandanah Seesurun. On the other hand, representing South Africa in Barcelona was Anton Kriel and Nico Meerholz.
African representation in Olympic badminton has encountered countless hurdles, including infrastructural constraints, financial limitations, and a comparative lack of exposure. Nevertheless, these obstacles have stimulated innovation and resourcefulness, propelling African badminton into a realm of evolving possibilities and burgeoning talent pools.
Memorable Feats
Amidst the challenges, African badminton achievers have illuminated the Olympic arena with their prowess. From Nigeria’s Grace Daniel, a trailblazer in women’s singles at the 2004 Athens Olympics, to Egypt’s Hadia Hosny, a recurrent presence in multiple Olympic editions, Africa’s athletes have notched commendable achievements, inspiring generations to dream beyond boundaries. The next generation merging with experienced players saw the qualification of African Continent in all 5 events at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. In Men’s Singles, Georges Julien Paul and Anuoluwapo Opeyori obtained their qualification. In Women’s Singles, Doha Hany proudly represented Egypt and Africa. In Women’s doubles, the experienced Hadia Hosny was associated with Doha Hany. In the Men’s Doubles Anuoluwapo Opeyori was paired with Godwin Olufua. And in the Mixed doubles there was Adham Hatem El Gamal and Doha Hany. During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Doha Hany made history by participating in all 3 events at such a grand stage.
Following an exclusive interview with BCA TV, Grace Gabriel stated that: “As a badminton player, this is the highest stage where an athlete can compete, and I feel very honored and privileged to have been in that place. Every Olympian knows how much effort, time, resource and training they have to give in everyday to achieve this dream. My advice to the recently qualified athletes from our continent is to never give up as we know that we will be competing against the very best in the world and we should have a meticulous preparation prior to the games in July. I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate all the qualified athletes and especially those who have qualified for the first time. I wish you all the very best and make Africa proud”.
Egypt’s Hadia Hosny and 3 times Olympian in an Interview with BCA affirmed: “I will start by saying that whenever a person is determined to achieve something in life, then he or she will definitely work hard towards achieving that particular goal. This was my objectives back then when I wanted to qualify for my first Olympics. I knew it was difficult, but it was my willpower and drive that kept me going. I kept going and maintained a good level in order to qualify for London and Tokyo. To qualify for the Olympics is very strategic as you will have to determine which competitions you have to participate and which tournaments you will have to let go. Also, once you set yourself in that bubble to qualify for the Olympics, it is very important to have a good support system around you as you will need motivation and encouragement. I know that the path has not been easy to all those who qualified for Paris 2024, but I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate them and wish them all the very best for their preparation and eventually in the Games”.
MOU Signing between BCA and NVBA
Across the continent, national badminton federations are redoubling their efforts to nurture and develop talent at the grassroots level. Initiatives provided by the BCA such as coaching workshops, talent identification programs, and school outreach initiatives such as Shuttle Time are helping to cultivate a new generation of badminton enthusiasts and athletes. Also, there are several educational programs such as Dual Career that are being offered to all Athletes who wants to continue to play high level and also continue their studies. Additionally, partnerships with international Academies such as NVBA Malaysia and Dubai are providing African athletes with access to world-class coaching and facilities so as to enable them in their preparation.
As Africa’s badminton community looks to the future, there is a sense of optimism and determination to continue the upward trajectory. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon and future editions of the Games to come, African athletes are poised to make their mark and inspire a continent. Through dedication, perseverance, and a shared passion for the sport, Africa’s badminton fraternity is writing a new chapter in the annals of Olympic history.
The BCA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jeff Shigoli in an interview with BCA TV stated that: “I am extremely satisfied with the performances of our African players who have not only make Africa proud by qualifying but also their country. BCA is very delighted to see that the support given to those players in the Road to Paris program have borne its fruits. I have no doubt that our players will give their best in Paris, and I want to wish them all the very best and let them know that BCA and Africa are behind them.”
With the forthcoming Olympic spectacle in Paris in July 2024, Africa’s badminton odyssey rains with anticipation and promise as we have obtained qualification in 3 events which are Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles. Georges Julien Paul, Anuoluwapo Opeyori and Kate Foo Kune, the singles specialists are more than ready to begin their second Olympics. Kate Foo Kune is the only one who has participated in the Rio Olympics in 2016, whereas both Julien and Anu was in Tokyo in 2020. With such an expanding talent pipeline, the new generation has many role models that they can look up to and the continent stands poised to unleash a new wave of champions onto the global stage for the next Olympics in Los Angeles 2028 and onwards.
The freshly qualified Mammeri siblings in the Mixed doubles has an exclusive interview with BCA TV and they stated with joy that: “We are on cloud nine right now and we are extremely happy to be qualified to Paris 2024. It is undoubtedly a lot of hard work and self-discipline, said Koceila.”
On the other hand, his sister Tanina added: “Now that we are qualified is one step and the other one is to be able to perform in Paris. Our objectives as we said was not to only qualify but instead, we want to leave our mark in the history. It has been a lot of hard work and travelling recently but we are glad that we are seeing the fruit now. The fruit of hard work is always sweet, and we are extremely happy.”
Julien Paul of Mauritius in his interview added that: “I am very happy and relieved that all my hard work paid off. To qualify for an Olympic Game is not an easy task and I feel that it is a personal challenge that I have undertaken twice, and I have accomplished it successfully. Also, I was a bit uncertain at the very beginning as I was injured and I could not play badminton for about a year, but with a strong willpower and determination, I came back stronger than ever. Now that the most important job is done, the focus pronto shifts towards the preparation and to make sure that I can fine tune myself. This is a whole different preparation as you need to make sure that you are constantly in game/match situation and as from now itself you need to condition yourself.”
Our African Champion, Anu Opeyori told BCA TV: “I want to thank everyone who believed in me and in my journey towards the Paris 2024. Despite many challenges faced, I have firmly believed in myself, and my capacity and I am happy that I did not give up my dream. Today I can proudly say that I have qualified in 2 Olympic Games, and I wish to encourage all young Africans who wish to take on this path and qualify to the Olympics and make Africa proud. Now that I have qualified, I need to prepare myself adequately before the games in July and maintain the tempo.”
Kate Foo Kune of Mauritius and African Champion 2024 in an interview with BCA TV added that: “I am so happy to have qualified for Paris 2024 after my first qualification in Rio in 2016. This has not been an easy task for me especially after I came back fell in the rankings. At some point I was saying to myself and my family that this is a lost battle, and it was not worth it to give it a try. But with the strong support system that I had, everyone believed in me and encouraged me to give it a go. I must say that this was not easy at all as there was a lot of travelling and training, but I am happy that I am finally getting the reward today. As we all know, to qualify is one step, and the most important step is the preparation towards the Games. I also want to thank each and every one who believed in me, and I promise that I will give my 100% in Paris to make Mauritius and Africa proud.”
Johanita Scholtz, the 2024 Africa Games Gold Medallist, has qualified in Women’s Singles for the forthcoming Olympic Games in Paris. Scholtz has shown noteworthy consistency throughout the qualification phase, earning her a coveted spot at the Games. In an exclusive interview with BCA TV, she expressed her elation, stating, “I am very happy that in this edition of the Olympic Games, South Africa is being represented compared to 2020. The journey has been very tough with all the travelling and tournaments but at the end of the day I am proud to represent not only my country but also the whole of Africa. I also wish to thank my parents, relatives and friends who have been behind me and encouraging me. Now the focus is to prepare well before the Games and make sure to stay away from injuries.” Scholtz’s commitment and perseverance have not only brought pride to South Africa but also to the entire African continent.
Africa’s journey in Olympic badminton is a testament to the continent’s resilience, innovation, and positive spirit. From humble beginnings to the global stage, African athletes have overcome challenges and embraced opportunities, leaving a deep-rooted mark on the Olympic landscape. As the continent continues to foster talent and expand its presence in the sport, the future of African badminton shines bright, promising new heights of achievement and inspiration for generations to come.
