Ahead of the Thomas and Uber Cup 2024 in China, the Uganda women’s badminton team has discovered their group and opponents.
They find themselves in Group C, alongside six-time champions Japan, three-time winners Indonesia, and Hong Kong China.
While the Thomas Cup represents the pinnacle of world badminton team championship for men, the Uber Cup is its women’s counterpart. Scheduled from April 28 to May 5 in Chengdu, China, this year’s editions promise intense competition.
Reflecting on the draws, William Kabindi, the head coach of Uganda’s women’s team, acknowledged the challenge of playing against the formidable host China. However, he expressed relief at avoiding them in the group stage.
Despite the tough competition ahead, Kabindi emphasized the dedication of his players, who are honing their skills in top European tournaments like those in France, Spain, and the Netherlands.
China, with a record 15 titles, headlines Group A alongside India, Canada, and Singapore. This marks Uganda’s debut appearance in the Uber Cup, following South Africa’s withdrawal despite initial qualification from the African continent.
Uganda’s team enters the Uber Cup with added motivation, buoyed by recent successes at the African Games in Ghana. Players Husinah Kobugabe and Gladys Mbabazi secured gold in doubles, while Kobugabe and Fadilah Shamika claimed silver and bronze respectively in the singles events.
