Krobapor Clement and Dorcas Adesokan on Saturday emerged as winners of the 1st Katsina Golden Star Badminton Championship in the men and women’s singles events respectively.
The duo also combined to win the mixed doubles event of the competition.
In the men’s singles final, Krobapor came from behind to defeat Anuoluwapo Opeyori (Lagos State) 14-21, 21-13, 21-19.
Adesokan (Ogun State) defeated Deborah Ukeh of Edo State 21-12, 21-14 to emerge the women’s singles champion.
Krobapor partnered Adesokan, Nigeria’s highest ranked women’s player to beat the duo of Eneojo Abah and Peace Orji 21-16 , 21- 8 in the mixed doubles, while Augustina Sunday and Zainab Mommoh edged out Deborah Ukeh and Peace Orji in a keenly-contested encounter which ended 23-21, 21-16 to emerge the women’s doubles champions
Krobakpor thanked his coaches and co-players for their efforts.
“I want to thank my coaches, Bello and Ayo, also my co-players for motivating me. I was determined to win the National Championship despite the huge pressure. it’s over and I thank God I won”.
In a chat, Dorcas Adesokan thanked the board of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) led by Francis Orbih for reviving the National Championship which was in coma for over four years.
“I am delighted that the National Championship is back thanks to the BFN President Francis Orbih. Talking about my victory I want to believe that my level of exposure attending international competitions gave me an edge but Deborah is another good player.”
Orbih on his timeline, urged the African number one player to keep working hard.
“Congratulations Dorcas. Keep working hard and you will always reap the fruits of your labour. Proud of you”, he ended.
