The JE Wilson Ghana Junior International 2025 Badminton Championships ended in thrilling fashion on Sunday, with Ghana and Nigeria dominating the U-19 finals at the Borteyman Sports Complex.
The closing day featured five high-energy finals across men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.
While Ghana had swept five of six gold medals at the U-15 level earlier in the tournament, they narrowly missed replicating that feat but still delivered a stellar showing.
Ghana’s first U-19 gold came in the women’s doubles, where Moslena Ama Koramah Adu and Rachael Quarcoo produced a commanding win over Egypt’s Karma Elghandour and Salma Salah Edin.
The pair’s chemistry and precision play sealed a dominant victory.
The hosts struck gold again in the mixed doubles, with national champion Obapomba Adu Mintah teaming up with his twin sister, Moslena Ama Koramah Adu, to defeat compatriots Francis Obeng and Rachael Quarcoo in an all-Ghanaian final.
Nigeria shone in the men’s categories. Saidu Aliyu claimed singles gold after overcoming fellow Nigerian Aderinola Samuel in a tightly contested match.
The two later combined forces to win the men’s doubles, underlining Nigeria’s growing strength in continental badminton.
At the awards ceremony, Ghana Olympic Committee President Richard Akpokavi lauded the sport’s progress in the country.
“Watching these young athletes compete at such a high level is truly inspiring,” he said. “It proves that with continued investment, we’re not far from Olympic success.”
Ghana Badminton Federation President Evans Yeboah echoed the praise, commending the players for their exceptional displays throughout the competition.
The 2025 Ghana Grand Slam now shifts focus to the senior-level events, which run until August 17, promising more top-tier badminton action in the coming days.
