Uganda International Badminton Challenge: India retains crown as hosts endure another disappointing outing

The 2026 Uganda International Badminton Challenge reached its crescendo on Sunday afternoon at the Lugogo Indoor Arena in Kampala, drawing the curtain on five days of riveting competition.

Featuring competitors from 39 nations, the tournament concluded with India once again lifting the overall trophy in commanding fashion.

Having claimed three gold medals and a silver in the 2025 edition, India returned with renewed dominance, successfully defending their top position.

This time, they secured three gold medals in the men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles categories, in addition to a silver medal to cap another impressive campaign.

Australia finished second overall with one gold and one bronze medal, while the United States—last year’s first runners-up—settled for third place with a single gold medal.

For Uganda, however, the tournament once again underscored a persistent struggle.

None of the home players advanced beyond the quarterfinal stage. Top seed in the women’s category and 2026 All Africa Senior Badminton Challenge gold medalist Shamika Fadilah saw her run halted in the round of 16, while Gladys Mbabazi exited in the round of 32.

With the senior challenge concluded, attention now shifts to the Uganda Junior International Tournament, slated for February 23–25, 2026, also at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.

Winners’ Tally

Mixed Doubles

Gold: Ishaan Bhatnagar and Shruti Mishra (India)

Silver: Nithin H.V and Srinidhi Narayanan (India)

Bronze: Andika Ramadiansyah and Nozomi Shimizu (Australia) | Koceila Mammeri and Tanina Violette Mammeri (Algeria)

Women’s Doubles

Gold: Lauren Lam and Allison Quynh Lee (USA)

Silver: Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi (India)

Bronze: Ashwini Bhat K and Shikha Gautam (India) | Martina Corsini and Emma Piccinin (Italy)

Men’s Doubles

Gold: Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu (India)

Silver: Pruthvi Krishnammurthy Roy and Sai Pratheek K (India)

Bronze: Eng Keat Wesley Koh and Junsuke Kubo (Singapore) | Donovan Willard Wee and Jia Hao Howin Wong (Singapore)

Women’s Singles

Gold: Anupama Upadhaya (India)

Silver: Mansi Singh (India)

Bronze: Vennala Kalagotla (India) | Surya Charisma Tamiri (India)

Men’s Singles

Gold: Karono Karono (Australia)

Silver: Misha Zilberman (Israel)

Bronze: Lakshay Sharma (India) | Saneeth Dayanand (India)