The recent badminton development program organized by the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) in August in Senegal marked a crucial step in promoting the visibility of the sport within the country and across the continent. These activities are part of the Dakar 2026 Legacy project by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), which aims to strengthen the capacities of the Senegalese Badminton Association and prepare the country for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
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One of the key events was the ‘Junior Training Camp’, which saw participation from 69 young athletes from eight African nations. Sponsored by FELET and led by coach Gobinath, the camp focused on mental conditioning, nutrition, and competitive skill development. For Senegal’s national players, it was a vital opportunity to compete at a continental level and prepare for future selections ahead of Dakar 2026.
The program also included an umpire workshop designed to raise officiating standards and train officials for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games. A total of 14 umpires from five countries, including six women, engaged in both theoretical and practical exercises, allowing for the identification of new talent.
THE ATHLETES FROM THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS
One of the most heartwarming events was the ‘Shuttle Time’ activity, which involved athletes from the Special Olympics. This initiative showcased BCA’s commitment to inclusion by providing disabled athletes the chance to enjoy badminton in a welcoming and accessible environment, further enhancing the sport’s visibility among key partners in Senegal.
A major highlight was the All Africa AirBadminton Championships, where Ghana triumphed by winning all the gold medals in the U19 category. The competition, designed to showcase the sport’s diversity and offer more opportunities for participants to earn continental medals, demonstrated AirBadminton’s growing global visibility.
Finally, sessions on Dual Career and Integrity were essential in reinforcing ethical values and fair play among players and umpires. These workshops contributed not only to the athletes’ sports development but also prepared them to become community leaders and badminton ambassadors.
In summary, BCA’s initiatives in Senegal laid the foundation for sustained badminton growth in Africa, promoting young talent development and enhancing the country’s readiness for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
