Ghana’s U-19 Junior Nationwide Badminton group, referred to as the Golden Shuttlers, returned dwelling to a triumphant reception at Accra’s Kotoka Worldwide Airport on Friday night.
The group was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of followers and supporters, proudly displaying the nationwide colours, following their victorious efficiency on the 2024 All Africa Youth Badminton Championship in Senegal.
The Golden Shuttlers, who arrived on a Kenya Airways flight, introduced dwelling a powerful haul of three gold medals and one bronze. Their victory within the blended group class was significantly notable, as they defeated Benin with a 60-50 mixture rating.
The successful group included gamers Addo Leslie, Nii Adote, Adu-Minta Obapomba, Ankrah Jonathan, Amofa Andy, Moslena Ama Korama Adu, Quarcoo Racheal, and Awa Camara.
Within the males’s group class, Ghana secured gold by defeating South Africa 3-1, because of the efforts of Addo Leslie, Nii Adote, Adu-Minta Obapomba, and Ankrah Jonathan. The ladies’s group additionally triumphed, beating Algeria 3-1 to say one other gold medal, with a group comprising Moslena Ama Korama Adu and Quarcoo Racheal.
Mr. Yeboah Evans, President of the Ghana Badminton Affiliation, praised the group’s excellent efficiency, stating, “The achievement of successful three gold medals and one bronze locations us on a powerful platform, providing us new alternatives to raise the game in Ghana.” He emphasised the significance of badminton’s development within the nation, pushed by the group’s success.
Evans additionally highlighted the group’s qualification for the World Championship, which he sees as an important step in the direction of advancing Ghana’s sporting profile. He expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the Ghana Olympic Committee, Nationwide Sports activities Authority, Ministry of Youth and Sports activities, and Tebal Ghana in the course of the group’s preparation on the Borteyman Sports activities Complicated.
Coach Moses Adu, head of the group, counseled the athletes for his or her dedication and urged them to proceed making Ghana proud. He famous, “We competed in each Badminton and Air Badminton occasions, with Ghana changing into the primary nation in Africa to win the Air Badminton title. It is a historic achievement, and we should try to keep up this glory.”
Deputy Captain Moslena Ama Korama Adu, talking on behalf of the gamers, shared their pleasure and dedication to successful extra medals for Ghana sooner or later. “It wasn’t simple, however with God, every little thing was attainable. Our coach supported us all through our coaching, and we didn’t disappoint him. I’ve been taking part in badminton for 5 years now, and I see myself reaching for World Championship medals,” she mentioned.
The Golden Shuttlers’ exceptional success has not solely introduced pleasure to the nation however has additionally impressed a brand new era of younger athletes to take up the game, with many desperate to comply with of their footsteps.