KAMPALA, March 31 (Xinhua) -- The head coach of Uganda's women's team has said he is happy they will avoid host China in the group stage of the 2024 Uber Cup.
China will host the 2024 Thomas & Uber Cup in Chengdu from April 28th to May 5th, 2024.
The biennial international badminton championships is to be contested by the men's (Thomas Cup) and women's (Uber Cup) teams of the member associations of the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
In the draws released by the world badminton body, Uganda has been placed in Group C that has Japan, Indonesia and Hong Kong, China for the Uber Cup.
"It is not always easy playing a home team and China has a very formidable team. I am glad that we have avoided them in the group stage," said Uganda's coach William Kabindi.
The coach made it clear that although it will not be easy for them since they will face very experienced teams, his players are working hard and playing in some top tournaments in Europe like France, Spain, and the Netherlands to get the exposure. "We are preparing well and will try to give a good account during the Uber Cup," added Kabindi.
Host China, the record 15 times winner, has been placed in Group A along with India, Canada, and Singapore.
The other teams that will feature in the Uber Cup include Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Australia, South Korea, Denmark, United States and Mexico.
It will be Uganda's first time to appear in the Uber Cup after South Africa who had initially qualified for the African continent withdrew.
But Uganda will go to the Uber Cup with some motivation after its players Husinah Kobugabe and Gladys Mbabazi won the doubles gold, while Kobugabe and Fadilah Shamika won silver and bronze in the singles at the recent African Games in Ghana. ■
