Indonesia stamped their authority on the 8th Lagos International Badminton Classics, turning the Teslim Balogun Stadium into a stage of triumph as they swept multiple gold medals on the final day of action.

From the opening Mixed Doubles clash to the showpiece Men’s Singles final, the Southeast Asian powerhouse asserted its dominance.

The pair of Prasetyo and Munggaren set the tone by defeating India’s Ravat and Maneesha 21-15, 21-17, before P. Shujiwo powered past Japan’s M. Koga 21-15, 21-17 in a pulsating Men’s Singles final.

The Indonesians celebrate in style

The Women’s Doubles final confirmed Indonesia’s superiority, with Meida and Nastine dispatching UAE’s Quathun and Sreejithparol in just 25 minutes (21-18, 21-7), the shortest contest of the evening.

The highlight of the celebrations came as Indonesia’s national anthem echoed repeatedly through the Okoya Thomas Indoor Hall, with Ambassador Bambang Suharto personally presenting the Men’s Singles trophy to Shujiwo — a moment that underscored the national pride attached to the victories.

With three golds and several silver finishes, Indonesia emerged as the undisputed star nation of Africa’s premier badminton competition.

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The 8th Lagos International Badminton Classics (LIBC) reached a dramatic climax on Friday with quarter-final and semi-final showdowns that delivered world-class action, epic battles, and unforgettable moments inside the Teslim Balogun Indoor Sports Hall, Surulere.

With 20 matches on the schedule and one walkover, Day Three of the tournament set the stage for a blockbuster finale on Saturday, August 30, when champions across all categories will be crowned.

Walkover and Marathon Thriller
The day began with a rare walkover in the men’s doubles as P. Ravikrishna and S. Romdtiani (UAE) advanced without hitting a shuttle, following the no-show of Kazakhstan’s D. Panarin and M. Tajibullayev.

But it was the mixed doubles quarter-final that stole the show. India’s Rawat and Maneesha battled compatriots Sharma and Kanapuran in a pulsating contest that lasted 2 hours, 2 minutes — one of the longest matches in the tournament’s history. The tie ended 21-19, 9-21, 22-20 in favour of Rawat/Maneesha, who left the Lagos crowd on their feet in admiration.

Nigerian Hope and Heartbreak
On the home front, Nigeria’s Obanisola and Alabi lit up the arena with a hard-fought 21-19, 19-21, 21-19 victory over second seeds and compatriots Ibere and Ukeh in the quarter-finals. However, their fairytale run ended in the semi-finals against UAE’s formidable pair Qathua and Sreejithparol. The Nigerian duo will now battle for bronze in what promises to be another emotional showdown.

All-India Women’s Singles Final
India underlined its dominance in the women’s singles. Second seed Kashyap powered past Indonesia’s Ramadhani Wiryawan 21-19, 21-17, while S. Lele needed just 35 minutes to dispatch compatriot Sihag 21-12, 21-12. The result sets up an all-Indian final on Saturday.

Asian Showpiece in Men’s Singles
The men’s singles final will feature Japan’s M. Koga against Indonesia’s P. Shujiwo after both triumphed in gruelling semi-finals. Koga rallied past Israel’s Dubovenko 17-21, 21-7, 21-8, while Shujiwo defeated India’s M. Singh 21-11, 20-22, 21-12. Their clash is expected to be one of the highlights of the tournament.

Doubles Intensity
In women’s doubles, Uganda’s Mbabazi and Kobugabe fell short against the in-form UAE duo of Sreejithparol and Qathua, who remain strong contenders for the crown.

Nigeria’s Growing Reputation
Visiting athletes and officials continued to heap praise on the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) for seamless organisation, with support from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA). The vibrant Lagos crowd and warm hospitality have reinforced Nigeria’s status as a rising hub for elite badminton.

“Day Three has given us classic matches that will be remembered for years,” said Tunde Kazeem, BFN board member and technical director. “From marathon rallies to underdog victories, the Lagos International Badminton Classics has shown the very best of our sport. Tomorrow’s finals will crown champions, but already, this tournament is a triumph for badminton in Nigeria and Africa.”

Day Three Highlights:

• Mixed Doubles epic: Rawat/Maneesha beat Sharma/Kanapuran in a 2h 02m thriller.
• Nigeria’s Obanisola/Alabi upset Ibere/Ukeh but lost in semis; bronze battle awaits.
• Women’s Singles Final: All-India affair — Kashyap vs S. Lele.
• Men’s Singles Final: Japan’s Koga vs Indonesia’s Shujiwo.
• Prize Pool: $17,500 purse adds extra edge to the finals.

With the finals set across singles and doubles, anticipation is at fever pitch as Lagos braces for a grand finale to the 2025 Lagos International Badminton Classics.

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The 8th Lagos International Badminton Classics entered its second day on Thursday in electrifying style, with 42 matches across four courts at the Teslim Balogun Indoor Sports Hall producing upsets, drama, and flashes of brilliance.

Athletes continued to commend the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) for its warm hospitality and seamless organization, as the tournament drew growing attention from local and international fans.

The duo of India’s Devika Sihag and Imad Farooqui Samiya at the Court 1 on Friday morning

After dominating the opening day, India’s momentum faltered on Day Two, particularly in the men’s singles. Kalagotla kept the flag flying with a 21-12, 21-18 victory over Slovakia’s Drata, but elsewhere it was disappointment for the Indian camp. Poland’s world-ranked No. 165 Kwinta stunned Walter in a thrilling 21-17, 22-20 contest, while Indonesia’s P. Shujiwo ousted Negi 22-20, 21-17 to secure a place in the Round of 16.

Nigeria also endured a tough outing. In mixed doubles, Jovita Chisom and O. Miracle fell to India’s Bhatnagar and Balachandra 21-9, 21-5. In women’s singles, O. Obasanmi’s spirited run ended in the Round of 16 after a defeat to India’s Shiagin.

Elsewhere, Korea’s Park G.E. powered past the Philippines’ Sreejith Parol in the women’s singles to book a quarterfinal spot, while Japan’s M. Koja delivered one of the shocks of the day by defeating India’s fifth seed Bharadwaj 21-15, 21-19.

India’s misery deepened in the evening session when Indonesia’s world-ranked No. 342 Muhammad Yusuf, who had already caused a stir with a giant-killing act on Day One, returned to beat S. Dayanand 21-12, 21-15, capping a difficult day for the South Asian powerhouse.

With quarterfinal and semifinal places at stake on Day Three, the Lagos International Badminton Classics is heading towards a dramatic climax as shuttlers battle for glory and international ranking points in Lagos.

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‎Top Performers – Day Two Highlights

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• ‎Muhammad Yusuf (Indonesia) – World No. 342 continues giant-killing run, defeats India’s Dayanand.
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• ‎M. Koja (Japan) – Stuns India’s 5th seed Bharadwaj in women’s singles thriller.
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• ‎Park GE (Korea) – Dominates Philippines’ Parol to secure quarterfinal ticket.
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• ‎Kwinta (Poland, WR 165) – Pulls off upset against India’s Walter in straight sets.
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• ‎P. Shujiwo (Indonesia) – Outlasts India’s Negi to advance to Round of 16

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