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What is it about : Benin and China have enjoyed close friendly relations for 50 years. And in this context, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China near Benin through its Chinese Cultural Center (CCC) organized, in partnership with the Benin badminton federation, an open tournament. This tournament, called “Open Badminton 50 years of China-Benin friendship, took place on Saturday October 15, 2022, at the Hall of Arts, Leisure and Sports in Cotonou. It brought together baddies of both sexes in the senior categories, U19, U17 and U15 of the ages of the two countries. Among the seniors, the match between the team of the Chinese embassy and that of the Beninese federation saw the victory of the Beninese. Among the U15-U17, Yan Abissi won the boys’ tournament ahead of Jérédi Bassa while among the girls Bénédicte Dhossou finished first ahead of Blessing Atchadé. Among the U19 men, Carlos Kpanou created a sensation by defeating Dosh Fano (double Beninese champion) in the final 2-1. On the girls’ side, the medal went to Pernelle Fabossou who beat Flora Kpogbemabou 2-0 in the final.
What the authorities say: Happy with the outcome of this sporting event, the president of the Beninese badminton federation, Aubin Assogba thanked the Chinese side for its support. “It’s a moment we’re proud of,” he said initially. “Since the establishment of relations between our two countries, several construction sites and including infrastructure have emerged despite the distance from the geographical point of view”, he underlined while welcoming the frankness which characterizes these relationships. “We are satisfied with the bilateral cooperation between China and our country”, he said before ending by congratulating the athletes who, through the spectacle they produced, brought joy to more and more this day. Speaking, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Benin, Jingtao Peng, hinted that it is a great pleasure for him to have participated in this badminton competition which is one of the highlights of the celebration. the 50th anniversary of friendly relations between the two countries. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Benin badminton federation for organizing this competition,” said the ambassador, who was very happy with the progress of the matches of this sports festival for fans of this discipline.
Otherwise : Note that to mark the edition of this competition, the embassy through the Chinese cultural center has put into play motorcycles and several other gadgets to reward the best participants. Thus, the winners in the U19 girls and boys, in addition to the medals, each won a motorcycle, mobile phones and others. With the 2022 edition closed, all eyes are on that of 2023, which the ambassador wishes to be more successful.
Anselme Houenoukpo
