Badminton player Edwin Ekiring could be the first Ugandan to bow out of the on-going London Olympics if he loses his second game.
Ekiring, also Africa’s top badminton hope on Saturday night lost 21-12, 21-11 to France’s Brice Leverdez in a one sided affair but will have to be at his best when he battles Hong Kong’s Wong Ki Wing in a second Group F game. “I know it will not be that easy, but I have to work hard and try my best,” said Ekiring online.
Israel’s Misha Zilberman who took part in the 2012 Uganda International Open was sent packing after he fell to Jan O. Jorgensen 21-13, 21-12 and 21-9, 21-15 to Derek Wong of Singapore. China’s Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei from Malaysia are the key players expected to win gold.
Besides Ekiring, weightlifter Charles Ssekyaya is also expected to feature in the men’s 62 weight category today, while team captain Ganzi Mugalu and Jamila Lukunse will compete in swimming on August 2 and 3 respectively.
The bulk of the Ugandan athletes who are still training and are yet to travel to London include; Moses Ndiema Kipsiro (5,000m, 10,000m), Annet Negesa (800m), Benjamin Kiplagat (3,000m steeplechase), Janet Achola (1,500m), Jane Suuto (Marathon) and Stephen Kiprotich (Marathon). Others are Jacob Araptany (3000m steeplechase), Geoffrey Kusuro (5,000m), Abraham Kiplimo (5,000m), Thomas Ayeko (10,000m) and Dorcus Inzikuru (3,000m steeplechase).
Meanwhile, news from Uganda’s camp in London indicates that the Vice President Edward Ssekandi and Sports Minister Charles Bakkabulindi visited the team on Saturday.
Ssekandi reportedly offered the team US$1000 while Bakkabulindi came along with an extra $100 for those who competed at the All Africa Games last year. The offer was made last year by President Yoweri Museveni.
After team captain Ganzi Mugalu asked government to review allowances given to athletes competing abroad, Ssekandi promised that he will help so that next time it’s increased to US$200 from the current US$72.
