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Guillaume Gailly at the European Championships in France 2018 (credit Mark Phelan / Badminton Europe)
Gailly returns to Uganda to defend title
Date: 4/21/2019 10:08 PM
Published by : Bobby Griffin (BEC)


Guillaume Gailly collected Gold, Silver and Bronze medals last year at the Uganda International. He returns a year on to defend two as the Paralympic qualifying circuit moves to Africa.



French SL4 Guillaume Gailly took a trip to the podium 3 times at the Uganda 2018 International, collecting a Bronze in the SL3/4 men’s doubles, Silver in the SL4 men’s singles and Gold with Scotland’s Mary Wilson in the SL3-SU5 mixed doubles.


Africa first hosted a para-badminton event here in Uganda last year and the tournament ran well. BWF development workshops were followed by the international open and although entries were not far and wide, they at least produced good number from the home nations.


One of those rewarded for making the trip and giving his all was Gailly, the Tri-color picking up the tri-color in medals. He returns this week to defend both mixed and men’s doubles titles, with Mary Wilson once again and this time with regular partner Mathieu Thomas in the men’s doubles.




READ: Doubles delight for Denmark




“I’m pleased to be back, and also to be involved in the BWF workshop once more. I hope to make the podium this year with Mary, the standard will be higher but we’ll go for it!


Mathieu and I are looking for ranking points to help our seeding for the men’s doubles draw in the world championships this summer, and we’ll be fighting for gold this week. 


I’ve been battling sickness, but am over that now and my injures are getting better too. The standard will be stronger than last year, but there are a good number of African players again who will see a higher level competition which is good for them.


The schedule will be difficult, with only 4 courts available for standing and wheelchair classes, the nights may be long, but that’s the reality of para-badminton worldwide. It will make fantastic souvenirs, coming to events like this”




African hopefuls


Khadija Khamuka and Rose Nansereko are Ugandan nationals, currently ranked 5 in the world in SL3-SU5 women’s doubles and currently have done enough to earn themselves and invitation to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. 


One of the intricacies of the qualification process is that each of the 5 major sporting continents must be represented at each Games, and these two Africans are at the top picks in current standings.


Success here at home this week will be crucial for them to continue their Paralympic dream.



The Uganda Para-Badminton International 2019 begins Tuesday. Look out for updates to follow and results each day on tournament software here with this link.

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