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Lagos International Badminton Classics Day Three: Epic Matches, Upsets, and Finals Line-Up Set
Joel Ajayi
The 8th Lagos International Badminton Classics (LIBC) reached fever pitch on Day Three as quarter-finals and semi-finals thrilled fans inside the Teslim Balogun Indoor Sports Hall, Surulere.
With 20 matches on schedule-and one walkover in the men’s doubles—the tournament delivered world-class rallies, dramatic upsets, and unforgettable spectacles, setting the stage for a blockbuster Final Day on August 30.
The Walkover Drama and a Marathon MatchThe day began with a rare walkover in the men’s doubles, as P. Ravikrishna and S. Romdtiani (UAE) advanced without lifting a racket after Kazakhstan’s D. Panarin and M. Tajibullayev failed to show.But it was the mixed doubles clash between Rawat/Maneesha and Sharma/Kanapuran (all India) that stole headlines.
The quarter-final stretched into a 2-hour, 2-minute battle, nearly matching the longest recorded badminton match in history (2 hrs 41 mins).
In the end, Rawat and Maneesha triumphed in a pulsating three-set thriller, 21-19, 9-21, 22-20, to the delight of the Lagos crowd.Nigerian Hope and HeartbreakNigeria’s Obanisola and Alabi thrilled home fans by defeating compatriots and tournament second seeds Ibere and Ukeh 21-19, 19-21, 21-19 in a tense all-Nigerian quarter-final.
Their dream run ended in the semi-finals against UAE’s Qathua and Sreejithparol, but hopes of a podium finish remain alive as they battle for third place.India’s Dominance in Women’s SinglesIndia’s strong showing in the women’s singles was confirmed as Kashyap, the tournament’s second seed, advanced to the final with a 21-19, 21-17 win over Indonesia’s world-ranked 191 Ramadhani Wiryawan.
She will face compatriot S. Lele, who crushed Sihag (India) in just 35 minutes (21-12, 21-12), setting up an all-Indian women’s singles final.Men’s Singles: Asia Takes Center StageJapan’s M. Koga and Indonesia’s P. Shujiwo booked their spots in the men’s singles final. Koga overcame Israel’s Dubovenko in three sets (17-21, 21-7, 21-8), while Shujiwo eliminated India’s M. Singh in another three-set battle (21-11, 20-22, 21-12).
Their clash promises fireworks as both chase glory and part of the improved $17,500 prize pool.Doubles Competition Heats UpUganda’s women’s doubles duo, Mbabazi and Kobugabe, fell short in their bid for a semifinal berth, losing to UAE’s in-form pair Sreejithparol and Qathua. The Emirati duo continue to look like strong contenders heading into the final rounds.
International Praise for Nigeria’s HospitalityAthletes and officials continued to commend the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) for staging a world-class event, with the support of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA).
The smooth organization, vibrant Lagos atmosphere, and passionate crowd have underscored Nigeria’s growing reputation as a hub for elite badminton in Africa.“Day Three has given us classic matches that will be remembered for years,” said Tunde Kazeem BFN board member and technical director.
“From marathon rallies to underdog victories, the Lagos International Badminton Classics has shown the very best of our sport. Tomorrow’s finals will crown champions, but already, the tournament has been a triumph for badminton in Nigeria and Africa.
”With finals now set across singles and doubles categories, anticipation is building for Day Four – August 30, when the champions of the 2025 Lagos International Badminton Classics will be crowned.
Day Three- Top HighlightsMixed Doubles epic: Rawat/Maneesha (India) vs Sharma/Kanapuran (India) lasted 2h 02m, one of the longest matches in LIBC history.
Nigeria’s Obanisola/Alabi upset compatriots Ibere/Ukeh but lost semis to UAE’s Qathua/Sreejithparol; fight for bronze still alive.
Women’s Singles Final: All-India showdown as Kashyap faces S. Lele.Men’s Singles Final: Japan’s Koga vs Indonesia’s Shujiwo set for Sunday showpiece.Prize Pool: Improved purse of $17,500 adds extra incentive.
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Reps Security Session: Wale Raji Proposes Service Extension, Special Courts to Tackle Insecurity”
Joel Ajayi
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, intensified its search for sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges as lawmakers continued it’s Special Plenary Session dedicated to reviewing the nation’s security architecture and strengthening its legislative response to growing threats.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Wale Raji Member Representing Epe federal constituency of Lagos State and the Chairman House committee on livestock development presented far-reaching proposal aimed at strengthening national defense and tackling the escalating wave of insecurity across the country.
Hon. Raji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the recruitment of additional personnel into the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army. He, however, stressed that beyond new recruitment, Nigeria must urgently retain the institutional memory and field experience of officers nearing retirement.
Raji proposed an extension of service years for retiring military and police personnel—provided they are medically certified fit—arguing that their expertise is indispensable at a time when national security is under severe strain.
“New recruits will require extensive training and time to gain experience,Meanwhile, we have seasoned hands whose skills and knowledge can still be harnessed. The Public Service Rules allow for this extension, and we can consider an additional two to five years for fit and capable officers.”he noted.
The lawmaker further pushed for the establishment of Special Courts or Tribunals to handle terrorism and banditry-related cases. He recommended that investigations, trials, and convictions be conducted within a six-month window to ensure swift justice and send a strong message to criminal elements.
Hon. Raji also urged the House to accelerate constitutional amendments to make state police a reality and called for stronger integration of local governments into Nigeria’s security structure. Citing successful community-based security models from Lagos, he stressed their effectiveness in tackling local crimes and aiding prosecution.
Responding to Raji’s presentation, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu praised the recommendations as “thought-provoking,” particularly the suggestion to re-engage retired officers whose experience the nation cannot afford to waste.
Kalu said the idea could lead to the creation of a special, highly trained force led by experienced officers who left the service due to promotions or political appointments.“It is a very stimulating suggestion,We will dissect it further and reflect it appropriately in our resolutions.”he said.
The House is expected to develop concrete actions based on these proposals as Nigeria presses forward in the fight against insecurity.
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