KAMPALA, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Karono Karono and Anupama Upadhyaya of India won singles titles at the 2026 Uganda International Badminton Challenge.
Karono, ranked 356th in the world, defeated 37-year-old Misha Zilberman of Israel 21-14, 24-22 in the men's singles final at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium in Kampala on Sunday.
"I am very excited about coming to Uganda and winning the singles title. This will help me improve my world ranking since I am working hard to qualify for the Olympics," Karono told Xinhua after his victory.
An all-Indian affair in the women's singles saw Upadhyaya, who is ranked 54th in the world, defeated Mansi Singh 21-17, 21-10.
India's pair of Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gibburu emerged champions in the men's doubles, defeating compatriots Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy and Sai Pratheek 11-21, 21-18, 21-19.
The mixed doubles final ended prematurely after an injury forced a retirement with the match tied at 1-1. Nithin H.V. and Srindhi Naragaman won the opening game 21-13, but Ishaan Bhatnagar and Shruti Mishra levelled the match by taking the second 21-19. Nithin H.V. was then injured and unable to continue, handing the title to Bhatnagar and Mishra.
Lauren Lam and Alli Quynh Lee of the United States defeated Ashwini Bhat and Shikha Gautam of India 21-12, 21-14 in the women's doubles final.
"We had a very successful competition with players from over 20 countries. We thank all players who traveled to Uganda and spiced up the tournament," Simon Mugabi, CEO of the Uganda Badminton Association told Xinhua on Saturday.
