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By Our Reporter
Lagos, Nigeria – August 28, 2025 – The 8th Lagos International Badminton Classics entered its second day in thrilling fashion, with 42 matches across four courts delivering a mix of upsets, drama, and brilliant shot-making at the Teslim Balogun Indoor Sports Hall. Athletes praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) for its warm hospitality and seamless organization, as the tournament continued to attract attention both locally and internationally.
After a dominant Day One, India’s momentum slowed on Day Two, particularly in the men’s singles. Kalagotla (India) advanced with a 21-12, 21-18 victory over Slovakia’s Drata, but elsewhere it was a tough outing for the Indian contingent. Poland’s world-ranked 165 Kwinta stunned India’s Walter in a tight contest, 21-17, 22-20, while Indonesia’s P. Shujiwo ousted India’s Negi 22-20, 21-17 to book his place in the Round of 16.
Nigeria’s challenges also continued. In mixed doubles, the pair of Jovita Chisom and O. Miracle fell to India’s Bhatnagar and Balachandra 21-9, 21-5. In women’s singles, Nigeria’s O. Obasanmi was beaten in the Round of 16 by India’s Shiagin, ending her run.
Other highlights of the day included Korea’s Park GE powering past the Philippines’ Sreejith Parol in the women’s singles Round of 16 to secure a quarterfinal berth, while Japan’s M. Koja upset India’s fifth seed Bharadwaj 21-15, 21-19 in a gripping encounter.
The day’s final blow for India came when Indonesia’s world-ranked 342 Muhammad Yusuf, fresh from his giant-killing act on Day One, defeated S. Dayanand (India) 21-12, 21-15 to cap a difficult outing for the South Asian powerhouse.
With quarterfinal and semifinal spots up for grabs on Day Three, the Lagos International Badminton Classics is building towards a dramatic climax as shuttlers continue their quest for glory in Lagos.
*Top Performers – Day Two Highlights*
Muhammad Yusuf (Indonesia) – World No. 342 continues giant-killing run, defeats India’s Dayanand.
M. Koja (Japan) – Stuns India’s 5th seed Bharadwaj in women’s singles thriller.
Park GE (Korea) – Dominates Philippines’ Parol to secure quarterfinal ticket.
Kwinta (Poland, WR 165) – Pulls off upset against India’s Walter in straight sets.
P. Shujiwo (Indonesia) – Outlasts India’s Negi to advance to Round of 16.
