Kenya top seed Wanyoike wins 2023 Nyanza Badminton Open

John Wanyoike in action during the Nyanza Badminton Open.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The 2023 Nyanza Badminton Open was a thrilling event that showcased incredible talent and the unyielding spirit of Kenyan players, despite the challenges they faced due to the ban imposed by the Badminton World Federation.

Held at the prestigious Agha Khan Hall in Kisumu, the tournament culminated in an electrifying finale that saw John Wanyoike, the top seed from Kenya, emerge as the men's singles champion, defeating the talented Phabian Derrick from Kisumu in a fiercely contested match, winning 2-0.

John Wanyoike's victory was a moment of immense pride for Kenyan badminton, and the elation in his voice was evident as he said, "I'm overjoyed to have won the 2023 Nyanza Badminton Open. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the players who have continued to push forward, even in the face of adversity. I hope this win inspires more young talents to take up badminton and represent Kenya on the international stage."

Nyanza Badminton Open ladies winner Marryanne Makongo.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

In the women's category, Marryanne Makongo of Nairobi sponsored by Badeq Shop exhibited exceptional skill and determination, winning in straight sets against the Ugandan star, Betty Apiyo.

The ladies' singles finals were a display of grace and finesse on the badminton court, and Makongo's victory was celebrated with jubilant cheers from the crowd.

Edwin Waitathu in action during the Nyanza Badminton Open.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

In the men's doubles category, the pair of Stanley Gitithu and Joseph Madheri proved to be a formidable team. They faced stiff competition in the finals, battling against Brian Ongeche and Frank Sikoyo. In a hard-fought match, Gitithu and Madheri showcased their remarkable teamwork, eventually emerging as the champions, leaving the audience in awe of their skill and coordination.

However, the thrill of victory did not stop there. In the ladies' doubles category, Marryanne Makongo teamed up with Betty Apiyo of Uganda. The dynamic duo's incredible synergy on the court was on full display, and they secured the title in a closely contested final. Their win was a testament to the camaraderie and collaboration that can be forged through the sport of badminton.

The mixed doubles category was claimed by none other than the men's singles champion, John Wanyoike, who partnered with Lucy. Their chemistry on the court was undeniable as they clinched the mixed doubles title, further solidifying Wanyoike's status as one of Kenya's top badminton talents.

Apollo John in action during the Nyanza Badminton Open.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

Tournament director Apollo John expressed his satisfaction with the success of the 2023 Nyanza Badminton Open, saying, "The tournament was a resounding success, and it's heartening to see the passion and talent that our players exhibit. Our dream is to continue popularizing the sport in the Western and Nyanza region, providing more opportunities for our young players to shine on the global stage. We believe that badminton has the potential to bring communities together and inspire the youth."

However, while the tournament was a roaring success, the shadow of the ban imposed by the Badminton World Federation still loomed over Kenyan badminton.

The ongoing feud between the two factions of Badminton Kenya, one recognized by the Kenyan government and the other by international bodies like the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) and the Badminton World Federation (BWF), had persisted for years.

Fabian Dereick receiving a price and a medal from Apollo John.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

This dispute had detrimental consequences on the participation of Kenyan players in international tournaments.

In 2020, the BWF imposed a ban on Kenya, citing the need for credible elections and proper leadership elected by stakeholders as prerequisites for the ban to be lifted.

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) had attempted to mediate the matter, but their efforts proved futile, and to this day, the issue remained unresolved. The sports ministry's intervention was sought, but so far, no significant progress had been made, leaving Kenyan players to participate in international events at their own expense.

Action during the Nyanza Badminton Open.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

In light of this ongoing crisis, badminton stakeholders across Kenya were calling upon the government, through the Ministry of Sports, led by CS Ababu Namwamba, to intervene and help normalize the situation.

The ban had not only hindered the growth and development of badminton in Kenya but had also deprived the country of the opportunity to showcase its talents on the global stage. The sport had immense potential, and it was imperative to resolve the internal conflicts to allow Kenyan players to compete at the international level once more.

The 2023 Nyanza Badminton Open was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Kenyan badminton community.

Despite the challenges they faced, the players and organizers demonstrated their commitment to the sport. The hope remained that the government's intervention would lead to a resolution of the ongoing feud, enabling Kenyan badminton to flourish and reclaim its place in the global badminton community.