The PNB MetLife Junior Open Badminton Championship 2024, held in Ernakulam, Kerala, showcased the exceptional talent of young players from NVBS, Doha-Qatar. The tournament, which took place from 26th to 29th August 2024, featured a highly anticipated competition among junior badminton players from across Kerala. With 73 players competing in the Under-9 age category, NVBS athletes made a strong impression by securing top honors in both the Boys and Girls categories, demonstrating their skill on this prestigious platform.
Adam Noujas emerged victorious in the Under-9 Boys category, defeating Navaneeth Udayan with scores of 15-11, 15-10. Adam, a 3rd Grade student at Rajagiri Public School, Doha-Qatar, showcased his talent and determination in securing the win. Meanwhile, Nivedya Aji dominated the Under-9 Girls category, triumphing over Sugesh Tanvi with an impressive scoreline of 15-3, 15-6. Nivedya, a student at Birla Public School, Doha-Qatar, displayed her exceptional skills and ability to perform under pressure.
The outstanding performance of these young players highlights their potential for long-term success in the sport. They have been selected to compete in the National level tournament of PNB MetLife, which will take place in Andheri Sports Complex, Mumbai, India, from 27th September 2024. This achievement reflects their hard work and dedication, as well as the guidance they receive from Head Coach Afsal O K and Assistant Coach Sayin Krishna at NVBS branch – Cambridge Boys School, Al-maamoura.
Winning at the state-level championship not only brings prestige but also opens doors for these young talents to compete at the national level, providing them with invaluable opportunities to establish themselves in the sport. The success of NVBS athletes in this high-caliber event showcases their dedication and exceptional training. Competing against top talent from Kerala and emerging victorious solidifies NVBS as a promising ground for future badminton champions.
The tournament organizers are appreciated for their efforts in organizing this national-level championship in India. However, a concern raised by NVBS Chief Coach Manoj Sahibjan is the point system in matches, which is reduced to 15 or 11 points from the usual 21-point 3 sets when entry numbers increase. This practice can impact young and fitness players’ performance, leading to possible withdrawal from the tournament. A request has been made to the tournament committee to conduct the entire tournament with the usual 21-point 3 sets in future championships to ensure fair play and equal opportunity for all players.
In conclusion, the success of NVBS athletes at the PNB MetLife Junior Open Badminton Championship 2024 highlights their potential and dedication to the sport. Through hard work, exceptional training, and determination, these young players have proven themselves on a competitive platform and have earned the opportunity to compete at the national level. The future looks bright for these talented athletes, and NVBS continues to pave the way for the development of future badminton champions.
