dd yy
On April 29, 2024, during the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals at the Chengdu High-Tech Sports Center, Uganda faced a formidable Indonesian team and suffered a predictable 0-5 defeat. Following the match, four Ugandan players were interviewed by Cover News. When asked what badminton meant to them, all four unanimously replied, “Badminton is everything to me” and “Badminton is our life.”
For a team to play a full Uber Cup match (three singles and one doubles), a minimum of how many players are needed? The Uganda women’s team gave the answer—four players.
The team, ranked 128th in the world, featured players like Kobuga Beatrice, who partnered with Mbabazi, ranked 161st globally, forming Uganda’s “one pair” in doubles. The players emphasized the unique challenges of switching between singles and doubles matches, impacting their performance during matches.
Kobuga Beatrice, who started playing badminton at age 12, acknowledged how the sport changed her life, enabling her to receive an education, travel extensively, and make friends worldwide. Similar sentiments were echoed by her teammate Mbabazi.
Notably, due to financial constraints, the team faced difficulties in affording equipment during the tournament. However, the organizers, moved by their circumstances, provided complimentary stringing services and other memorabilia, highlighting the warmth and support shown to the Ugandan players during their time in Chengdu.
Looking ahead, the team expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete at such a prestigious event and expressed their aspirations to continue improving in badminton, inspired by their idols and motivated to pursue careers in the sport even after retirement.
On May 1, 2024, the team will face Hong Kong, China, in their final group stage match, concluding their Uber Cup campaign with hopes to explore Chengdu’s attractions and experience the beauty of China, which they consider a rewarding part of their Uber Cup journey.
