The 8th edition of the Lagos International Badminton Classics wrapped up with excitement at the Okoya Thomas Indoor Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, where Indonesia emerged as the clear standout, dominating multiple categories in a final day filled with drama, enthusiasm, and high-level badminton action.
The fourth day, the grand finale, lived up to expectations as spectators and players experienced an electrifying atmosphere worthy of one of Africa’s premier badminton events.
With a prize pool of $17,500 on the line, the finals showcased exceptional skill, endurance, and national pride.
The day kicked off with the nixed doubles final, where Indonesia’s Prasetyo and Munggaren triumphed over India’s Ravat and Maneesha in straight sets (21-15, 21-17), claiming the championship title.
In the men’s singles, the highly anticipated match between Japan’s M. Koga and Indonesia’s P. Shujiwo kept fans on the edge of their seats. Koga displayed determination but was unable to match Shujiwo’s relentless power.
The Indonesian player secured a hard-fought victory with scores of 21-15, 21-17, improving his international ranking from No. 63 and establishing himself as a rising star in badminton.
India’s hopes for a medal were sustained in the women’s singles, where an all-Indian final brought honor to the South Asian nation.
Defending champion S. Lele showcased her talent once again, defeating her compatriot Kashyap 21-15, 21-17 to retain her title and become a back-to-back champion of the Lagos International Badminton Classics.
The women’s doubles final highlighted Indonesia’s dominance, as Meida and Nastine swiftly defeated UAE’s Quathun and Sreejithparol in just 25 minutes, winning 21-18, 21-7 — the shortest match of the day and a display of exceptional skill.
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The men’s doubles final concluded the evening, with UAE’s P. Ravikrishna and Rimdahoi losing to the neutral Russian pair Alimov and Ogloblin (21-15, 21-12), marking the end of UAE’s chances for a gold medal.
For the host nation Nigeria, the final day brought moments of pride, as Obanisola and her partner secured a bronze in the women’s doubles, ensuring Nigeria was represented on the podium amidst fierce competition.
The highlight of the evening was Indonesia’s clean sweep, celebrated enthusiastically by their athletes, officials, and fans.
Indonesia’s ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Bambang Suharto, attended the finals and presented the Men’s Singles trophy to Shujiwo, emphasizing the significance of this victory for the Indonesian team.
The sound of Indonesia’s national anthem resonated multiple times through the packed hall, sparking waves of patriotism and celebration.
Beyond the matches, the tournament positioned Lagos as a center for sports tourism, with athletes and officials praising the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) for its warm hospitality.
