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After successfully staging the Independence Day national championship over the weekend, players, coaches and officials of the Badminton Association of Ghana (BAG), have reiterated the desire for better facilities and equipment to enhance the sport’s development in the country. Topmost on the list is the yearn for a bigger and spacious playing hall solely reserved for Badminton, to avoid the oft overcrowding and consequent less playing time during the game’s tournaments.

Like many other sporting disciplines under the umbrella of the National Sports Council, Badminton also use the D.G. Hathiramani Hall as venue for their championships. “We need a proper playing area with effective ventilation and more courts so many games can be played at the same time and effective ventilation to avoid over stressing among other uncomfortable situations,” one of the coaches who pleaded anonymity told All Sports at the closing ceremony last Monday.

The problems of overcrowding which reduced the various matches including even the finals to be decided in just one game notwithstanding however, the 3-day competition was a success with new talents discovered securing the future of the sport in Ghana. Former African champion Daniel Sam of Takoradi beat Martin Owusu Adu of Koforidua 21-15 to win the men’s Singles and overall bets player after also partnering Eric Attah to win the men’s doubles.

Sponsored by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and Meridian Ports Services, Evelyn Botwe of takoradi took the ladies’ singles title beating Gifty Mensah of Accra 21-16 in the final. But Gifty Mensah made sure she went home a winner too as she partnered Stella Amasah to win the ladies’ doubles competition.

The boys’ U-19 trophy went to Richard Aidoo of Suhum with Daniel Ayisu also of Suhum taking the runner-up spot. Diana Archer of Takoradi won the girls’ U-19 championship beating runner-up Grace Atipaka of Suhum in the final.

Ignatius Elletey, BAG Secretary General told SportsInGhana.com that the tournament was an opportunity for the association to assess their players, identify new talents and to select potential ones for further development, all goals which were achieved by the end of the 3-day championships.

“The turn-out, media coverage and impression of visitors like Prof. Dodoo and (NSC CEO) Mr. Agrah have been encouraging and signs of the great future which awaits this sport in the country,” said Mr. Elletey who added that all regions will be preparing their teams for June’s national sports festival after which preparations will be intensified towards September’s All Africa Games in Mozambique.