Three-time Southeast Zonal Badminton Champion Jovita Anakwe has set his sights on a fourth consecutive title, emphasizing the importance of sustained investment in the sport across the region.

Speaking on Friday at the Bet9ja Southeast Zonal Badminton Championship held at the Indoor Sports Multipurpose Gymnasium Hall of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, the Enugu-born star described the tournament as “highly competitive and exciting,” praising the talent drawn from across the Southeast.

Anakwe, who has dominated all three editions of the championship since its launch in 2022, remains confident but acknowledges the growing challenge. “It has never been easy, but I remain optimistic. The competition keeps getting stronger because we have very talented players in the Southeast,” said the national No. 3 and world No. 400 mixed doubles player.

He appealed to authorities and stakeholders to support badminton more actively, noting the region’s potential to achieve international success with proper backing. His wife, Favour Anakwe, also urged for more tournaments to help athletes maintain peak performance ahead of national and global competitions.

The Bet9ja Foundation–sponsored championship features players, coaches, and officials from Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo states. Anakwe began his title defense impressively, defeating Bright Ozoani of Enugu 21–15, 21–17, before overcoming Emeka Uzukwu of Abia 21–18 to advance to the next round.