In this exclusive chat, Sports Recorder desk caught up with James Akpan, a rising para badminton champion from Nsit Ubium LGA, Akwa Ibom State. He shares his journey, challenges, and expectations ahead of the upcoming All Africa Games Para Badminton Championship.
Q: Can we know you properly?
A: My name is James Akpan, from Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. I am a para badminton player.
Q: How do you feel about winning multiple medals at the 5th Abia National Para Badminton Championship?
A: It was an exciting moment. I thank God for the success. To the glory of God, from that Abia Para Badminton event, I am now qualified for the international championship at the All Africa Games.
Q: You described the Abia tournament as meeting international standards. What stood you out the most?
A: Since my first All Africa Games in 2023, where I won a medal, I have been training consistently to prepare for tournaments. The Abia event was special because it is close to home, and I have been lucky to get invites to international events, even outside Nigeria. Unfortunately, my biggest challenge is sponsorship. I pay from my pocket to train at a private sports centre, Altrafit, in Uyo. But I’m excited because this one is in Nigeria, and I am working hard towards it.
Q: How has the lack of support from the Akwa Ibom State Government affected your career?
A: A letter has been sent to the Ministry of Sports, Akwa Ibom State, and I’m still hoping for a response. As of now, I have no support. In 2023, my neighbour, Rt. Hon. Frank Archibong, sponsored me to an international event, but for this championship, I’m still waiting. I sincerely hope the government will respond soon.
Q: What preparations are you making for the upcoming All Africa Games Para Badminton Championship later this month?
A: I’m currently training morning and evening at Altrafit Centre in Uyo since the State Ministry of Sports has no facilities for para badminton. During the last state sports festival, one of my rackets broke, so I’m still seeking support to fully equip myself for the games.
Q: There were complaints about the badminton venue at Ivory Tower School during the Akwa Ibom State festival. What really happened?
A: The court at Ivory Tower School was not suitable at all. The surface was rough and unfit for badminton. Eventually, the games were moved to Ikot Ekpene Hall, where it turned out a huge success.
Q: Having won gold in the recent Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, how do you compare that experience with the Abia championship?
A: Honestly, I cannot compare them. Abia State had standard para badminton courts and proper kits for their players, while here in Akwa Ibom, those facilities are lacking.
Q: What message do you have for upcoming para badminton players like Umana and Nnena?
A: I encourage them to stay consistent with personal training. If they are lucky to find support, they should work harder to win medals and make sponsors proud. In my own case, God used Hon. Frank Archibong to sponsor me in 2023, and I won gold. Today, I am ranked among Nigeria’s top para badminton athletes.
Q: Finally, what would you like to add that we haven’t asked?
A: I want to sincerely appreciate our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Rt. Hon. Frank Archibong, and the Sports Commissioner, Elder Paul Bassey, for their support in my journey. I also appeal for more support from well-meaning individuals, organisations, and the government so I can proudly fly the Nigerian flag at the All Africa Games.
