The 2026 Uganda International Badminton Challenge, which kicked off on February 18 at Lugogo Indoor Arena in Kampala, has come to a close, with India emerging as the overall winners. Despite hosting the tournament, Uganda’s players failed to impress, with their top seeds bowing out early.
India successfully defended their title, winning three gold medals in men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles, and securing a silver medal. Australia took second place with one gold and one bronze medal, while the USA settled for third with a gold medal.
Uganda’s hopes were dashed as their top player, Shamika Fadilah, the 2026 All Africa Senior Badminton Challenge gold medalist, crashed out in the round of 16. Gladys Mbabazi also failed to progress, bowing out in the round of 32.
The tournament saw participation from 39 countries, and despite the hosts’ early exit, the event was a success. The next big event is the Uganda Junior International Tournament, scheduled for February 23-25, 2026, at the same venue.
India’s winners:
- Mixed doubles: Ishaan Bhatnagar and Shruti Mishra (gold)
- Men’s doubles: Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu (gold)
- Women’s singles: Anupama Upadhaya (gold)
- Women’s doubles: Silver medal
- Men’s singles: Gold (Karono Karono of Australia actually won)
Other winners:
- Women’s doubles gold: Lauren Lam and Allison Quynh Lee (USA)
- Men’s singles gold: Karono Karono (Australia)
Uganda’s early exit is a setback, but the country’s badminton scene is looking forward to the upcoming junior tournament.
