The 2022 Indomie Ikoyi Club Badminton Children’s Clinic, which came to a colourful end at the weekend, has raised hopes of a bright future for the sport, following the discovery of some exciting talents at the event.
Over 60 children from across Lagos and its environs were introduced to the sport, with some showing exceptional ability to grasp its rudiments easily.
The two-week clinic, sponsored by Indomie, threw up Chiamaka Oguledo, who paired with her sibling, Amarachi Oguledo, to win the girls’ doubles title at the expense of Ariella Okobi and Chinemerem Orizu.
Kiibati Akande and Chinedu Moekeme defeated Michelangelo Okobi and Daniel Duru to win the boys’ doubles event.
Among top dignitaries at the event were Nigeria and African champion, Aanu Opeyemi, as well as national team’s head coach, Ben Orakpo.
One of the kids who took part in the event, Ayomide Balogun, commended the organisers for giving children the opportunity to hone their skills in Badminton.
He said: “I learnt how to smash, drop serves and other essential skills needed in the game of badminton. It has been a wonderful experience for me because I have learnt so much and my game has improved.
“My desire is to represent Nigeria in international events in the future,” said 14-year-old Balogun of Edidot School, Lagos.
Speaking at the end of the clinic, Ikoyi Club Badminton Section chairman, Mazi Kanu, expressed delight at the progress of the club’s activities through the years, while affirming the section’s commitment to develop players that could compete successfully with their counterparts from other parts of the world.
“The fact that we have with us the best players and coaches at the kids badminton clinic shows how committed and serious we are to ensure the kids get to a high level of the game,” Kanu said.
