Riya Kurian, a promising 14-year-old badminton player from New Vision Badminton Sport (NVBS) in Doha-Qatar, recently made history by capturing the gold medal in the Under-15 Girls Singles category at the BWF Bahrain Junior International Series 2024. In a hard-fought final, she triumphed over her opponent from the UAE in three sets. This victory marks a significant milestone in Riya’s flourishing badminton career, following her silver medal at the same event in 2023.
Riya’s success can be attributed to her relentless dedication and hard work, as well as the expert guidance she receives from Head Coach Afsal O K at NVBS. The support of her parents and the entire coaching team at NVBS has been instrumental in her journey to international triumph. Despite a minor heel surgery in mid-July, Riya’s perseverance and intensive training in the weeks leading up to the tournament restored her form and allowed her to secure the prestigious title.
With a national ranking of 21 and an Asia ranking of 7 in the Under-15 Girls Singles category, Riya qualified for the BWF Bahrain Junior International Series based on her outstanding position on the international stage. The NVBS team, led by Chief Coach Manoj Sahibjan and Head Coach Afsal O K, traveled to Bahrain with a well-thought-out tournament plan and high aspirations. Looking ahead, NVBS has ambitious plans for Riya as they prepare her for the more competitive Under-17 and Under-19 categories.
Chief Coach Manoj Sahibjan stated that Riya must continue to improve her national rankings to secure spots in future international events. NVBS is dedicated to nurturing more talents like Riya by expanding participation in national and international tournaments, with the goal of achieving sustained success on the global stage. NVBS CEO, Mrs. Banazir Manoj, emphasized the importance of encouraging more athletes to compete in national ranking tournaments as a stepping stone to international breakthroughs.
In conclusion, Riya Kurian’s gold medal win at the BWF Bahrain Junior International Series 2024 is a testament to her talent, dedication, and hard work. With the support of her coaches, parents, and the NVBS team, Riya has achieved a significant milestone in her badminton career. As she prepares for the challenges of the Under-17 and Under-19 categories, NVBS is committed to supporting and nurturing her talent, with the aim of achieving even greater success on the international stage.
