In the women's category, Marryanne Makongo of Nairobi sponsored by Badeq Shop exhibited exceptional skill and determination, winning in straight sets against the Ugandan star, Betty Apiyo.
The ladies' singles finals were a display of grace and finesse on the badminton court, and Makongo's victory was celebrated with jubilant cheers from the crowd.
Tournament director Apollo John expressed his satisfaction with the success of the 2023 Nyanza Badminton Open, saying, "The tournament was a resounding success, and it's heartening to see the passion and talent that our players exhibit. Our dream is to continue popularizing the sport in the Western and Nyanza region, providing more opportunities for our young players to shine on the global stage. We believe that badminton has the potential to bring communities together and inspire the youth."
However, while the tournament was a roaring success, the shadow of the ban imposed by the Badminton World Federation still loomed over Kenyan badminton.
The ongoing feud between the two factions of Badminton Kenya, one recognized by the Kenyan government and the other by international bodies like the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) and the Badminton World Federation (BWF), had persisted for years.
In light of this ongoing crisis, badminton stakeholders across Kenya were calling upon the government, through the Ministry of Sports, led by CS Ababu Namwamba, to intervene and help normalize the situation.
The ban had not only hindered the growth and development of badminton in Kenya but had also deprived the country of the opportunity to showcase its talents on the global stage. The sport had immense potential, and it was imperative to resolve the internal conflicts to allow Kenyan players to compete at the international level once more.
The 2023 Nyanza Badminton Open was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Kenyan badminton community.
Despite the challenges they faced, the players and organizers demonstrated their commitment to the sport. The hope remained that the government's intervention would lead to a resolution of the ongoing feud, enabling Kenyan badminton to flourish and reclaim its place in the global badminton community.