By 
The electric hum of rackets slicing through the air filled indoor Arena in Lugogo as the 8th edition of the City Tyres East African Badminton Challenge leapt into action.
With a staggering 1,118 participants—its highest turnout yet—the tournament is not just a competition, but a growing movement redefining the face of badminton in the region.
For the next four days, athletes from across East Africa—including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, South Sudan, and even as far as the Cook Islands and India—will clash in a spirited showcase of talent, unity, and resilience.
The tournament spans diverse categories, from eager schoolchildren and seasoned veterans to corporate teams and professional coaches, capturing the sport’s reach across age and experience.
Behind this rapidly growing platform is the Mandela Group of Companies, whose unwavering support through its flagship brand City Tyres has breathed life into grassroots development.
At the opening ceremony, Marketing Executive Mahad Twaha reaffirmed their long-term commitment, calling badminton a
“genuine route to reach the community” and a tool to nurture youth potential.
Uganda Badminton Association CEO Simon Mugabi echoed that sentiment, praising City Tyres for not just financing the event but helping to build a legacy.
“This is more than a tournament—it’s a vision for the future of badminton in Uganda and the region,”
he said.
As birdies fly and national flags wave, the atmosphere is charged with more than just competition.
It’s a celebration of sport as a unifier—a shared court where nations meet, friendships bloom, and the future of East African badminton takes flight.
