The Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) organised a series of development activities in Senegal from 10 to 25 August 2024, focused on promoting badminton and increasing the visibility of the sport in Senegal.
This was part of the Dakar 2026 Legacy plan implemented by the BWF and aimed at capacity-building of the Badminton Senegal Association.
The promotion at various levels will enhance the skills, knowledge, and values of participants. Activities included a Junior Training Camp, an Umpire Workshop, a Shuttle Time event with Special Olympics athletes, the All Africa AirBadminton Championships, the All Africa School Championships, and sessions on Dual Career and Integrity. The events saw enthusiastic participation from athletes, coaches, umpires, and officials from across the continent.
Junior Training Camp
The Junior Training Camp, held 9-11 August, was a highlight of BCA’s development activities in Senegal. Sixty nine young badminton players from eight African countries (Algeria, Benin, Burundi, Egypt, Mauritius, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia) gathered for intensive training sessions.
The training camp was sponsored by FELET who sent coach Gobinath to lead the camp which was focused on mental conditioning, nutrition, and preparing athletes for future competitions at the continental and international levels. It was also an opportunity for Senegal national players to compete at continental level to evaluate and monitor the next steps for selection to Dakar 2026.
Umpire Workshop
From 9-11 August, the BCA organised an Umpires’ Workshop aimed at enhancing officiating standards in badminton and preparing Senegalese umpires to participate in the Youth Olympic Games at Dakar 2026. Fourteen participants, including six women, from five countries (Benin, Cameroon, Senegal, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe) took part in both theoretical and practical exercises. An assessment was conducted alongside the championship to expand BCA’s umpire workforce and identify talented umpires in line with the Dakar 2026 Legacy Plan.
Shuttle Time Activity with Special Olympic Athletes
A unique and heart warming initiative, the Shuttle Time activity with Special Olympics athletes took place on 11 August 2024. There was joy, enthusiasm and a spirit of inclusivity, as participants and volunteers worked together to create a memorable experience for everyone involved. BCA’s commitment to making badminton accessible to all was clearly demonstrated through this activity.
Special Olympic Senegal was keen to be involved in badminton activities after the recent MoU signed with Badminton Senegal Association. This activity has amplified visibility of our sport among Badminton Senegal partners and stakeholders.
All Africa AirBadminton Championships
The All Africa AirBadminton U19 Championships were held 18-19 August, with the participation of eight countries (Algeria, Benin, Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia). This championship was designed according to the Dakar 2026 BWF Legacy plan to develop players’ skills, showcase the diversity of our sport to the participants and Senegal stakeholders, and finally provide additional opportunities for the participating countries to compete for continental medals in a discipline that is gaining more and more visibility worldwide. This continental category championship, the first of its kind in the world, highlighted the supremacy of the Ghana team, which won all gold medals in the competition, including in the mixed team relay, men’s triples, and women’s triples. It also benefited developing badminton nations by giving them hope to lead a discipline that is generating enthusiasm in the region.
All Africa School Championships
The All Africa School Championships, organised from 20 to 23 August, was another key event aimed at nurturing young talent at the grassroots level. School teams from Benin, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa and Zimbabwe competed in a spirited and competitive environment, fostering love for the sport.
The schools from Benin have demonstrated exceptional prowess and dominated the recent School Championship, securing a total of six gold medals.
All Africa School AirBadminton Championships
The championship was organised on 24-25 August with participation of schools from Benin, Senegal, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The championship provided a great opportunity for all athletes to explore the new outdoor game of AirBadminton and to enjoy the sport under the sun. This unique experience allowed participants to engage with the sport in an exciting environment, contributing to the growing popularity of AirBadminton across Africa.
Dual Career and Integrity Sessions
In addition to on-court activities, BCA also conducted important sessions on Dual Career and Integrity throughout the whole duration from 12-25 August. These sessions were designed to help the players maximise their potential during their playing careers and beyond.
The integrity session emphasised the importance of ethical behaviour, fair play, and the need to combat corruption and match-fixing in sports, reinforcing the core values that badminton represents.
Conclusion
The development activities organised by BCA in Senegal have had a profound impact on the participants, contributing to the growth of badminton across the continent and encouraging Badminton Senegal in their efforts to be ready to host YOG Dakar 2026. From nurturing young talent and enhancing umpiring standards to promoting inclusivity and ethical conduct, these initiatives have set a strong foundation for the future of badminton in Senegal and more globally in Africa.
