International badminton tournament opens in Ethiopia

An international badminton tournament which has brought together 85 athletes from 12 countries began in the Ethiopian capital Addis Adaba on Thursday.

Turkey, Ethiopia, Uganda, Israel, Luxemburg, Zambia, Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Sri Lanka, India and Seychelles will be participating in the four-day event.

"The event has the recognition of international and African badminton federations," Gebreeyesus Ayele, president of the Badminton Federation of Ethiopia, told Anadolu Agency just before the official opening.

"This is the seventh time Ethiopia is hosting such an event, which is growing, both in terms of importance and the number of countries participating," he said.

He added the game is not very popular in Ethiopia and efforts are needed to promote the sport.

"Financial constraints, unavailability of badminton courts, and lack of trained staff has resulted in its lack of popularity," he said.

A team of two young players will represent Turkey.

The Turkish Coach Murat Sonmez told Anadolu Agency that his team is hoping to win the tournament.

"Our first match is with Israel tomorrow morning, and we are hoping to beat them," he said.