KAMPALA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Overseas players have arrived in Uganda ahead of the Uganda Para International Badminton Championship, despite reduced international participation because of concerns over the country's Ebola outbreak.
The tournament, sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation, will be held from July 7 to 12 at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.
Uganda Badminton Association chief Simon Mugabi told Xinhua on Monday that concerns over the outbreak had prompted several countries to withdraw after having initially confirmed participation.
He said players from Israel, Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin and Rwanda had already arrived in Uganda for the championship.
"This championship will once again provide a valuable platform for para athletes to keep developing and also improve their world rankings," Mugabi said.
He added that the smaller overseas contingent was the result of travel concerns linked to the Ebola outbreak, which led several teams to pull out of the event.
"Uganda remains safe for hosting international sporting events and all necessary precautions have been taken," Mugabi said, adding that following consultations with the BWF, organizers decided to proceed with the championship rather than cancel it. ■