Rising Badminton Stars Shine at National Junior Championship 2024
The 2024 National Junior Badminton championship concluded in Lahore, witnessing the emergence of promising young talent across various age categories.Muhammad Ahmad Gujjar of Punjab and Ms. Ammarah Ishtiaq of the Army dominated the U-19 singles division, delivering extraordinary performances to secure the coveted titles.
In the U-17 singles category, Ms. Sarwat Fatima, representing the Army, and Hammadullah from KP showcased their skills, each claiming victory in their respective finals. Abdul Haseeb of KP continued the trend of regional success, triumphing in the U-15 singles final.
the doubles competitions also saw thrilling encounters. Punjab’s Tayyaba Shafiq and Kanzul Eman proved to be a formidable duo,clinching the women’s doubles U-19 title. Meanwhile,M Zaid and Najam Us Saqib from KP demonstrated exceptional teamwork to secure the men’s doubles U-19 crown.
The closing ceremony was a testament to the championship’s success, with Director General Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Khizer Afzal Ch gracing the occasion as the chief guest. He presented trophies, cash prizes, and certificates to the finalists, commending the Pakistan Badminton Federation and Punjab Badminton Association for their meticulous association and commitment to fostering young talent.
The event was attended by prominent figures from the badminton community, including Khawaja Idrees Haider, CEO, and Waqar Ali, Secretary PbOA, alongside senior officials from the PBF. Their presence underscored the importance of the championship in nurturing the future of badminton in Pakistan.
“Future Looks Bright” – A Badminton Champion’s Take on Junior National Dominance
The 2024 National Junior Badminton Championships have wrapped up, leaving a trail of exciting performances and the promise of a bright future for Pakistani badminton. To delve deeper into the event’s significance and what it means for the sport’s progress, we sat down with former national champion and badminton coach, Raheela Hashmi.
Moderator: Raheela, the finals showcased some incredibly talented young players.What were your key takeaways from this year’s championship?
Raheela Hashmi: It was fantastic to see such a high level of skill and competitiveness across all divisions. Muhammad Ahmad Gujjar and Ms. Ammarah Ishtiaq’s dominance in the U-19 singles was truly remarkable, showcasing amazing technique and composure. But beyond the champions, the overall talent pool was incredibly encouraging. Pakistan has a rich history in badminton, and these young athletes are clearly carrying the torch forward.
Moderator: Certainly! We saw regional powerhouses like Punjab and KP continuing their success in the junior category, along with strong representation from the Army. What do you think this says about the talent development programs in these regions?
Raheela Hashmi: Absolutely. These regions have long been breeding grounds for badminton talent. Robust grassroots programs, dedicated coaching staff, and accessible infrastructure play a crucial role. It’s encouraging to see the Army also investing in badminton development, expanding the pool of aspiring athletes.
Moderator: Moreover, the doubles competitions were fiercely contested. teams like Tayyaba Shafiq and Kanzul Eman (women’s U-19 doubles) and M zaid and Najam Us Saqib (men’s U-19 doubles) displayed great synergy and teamwork. How crucial is doubles play for the overall development of badminton in Pakistan?
Raheela Hashmi: Doubles is an integral part of badminton, demanding exceptional interaction, tactical awareness, and coordination. Coaching young players in doubles not only enhances their individual skills but fosters teamwork and strategic thinking, which are invaluable assets on and off the court.
Moderator: Director general Khizer Afzal Ch, a known supporter of sports development, graced the closing ceremony and acknowledged the efforts of the Pakistan Badminton Federation and Punjab Badminton Association. What message do you think this sends to young aspiring badminton players?
Raheela Hashmi:
It’s a powerful message of encouragement and support. To have such high-ranking officials recognize and celebrate the achievements of these young athletes shows that their hard work and dedication are valued. It inspires them to strive for excellence and motivates them to pursue badminton at a higher level.
moderator: we can all agree that these championships were a resounding success. What are your hopes for the future of badminton in Pakistan?
Raheela Hashmi: I see a bright future for Pakistan badminton. We have a wealth of young talent, dedicated coaches, and supportive institutions.With continued investment in infrastructure, coaching programs, and international exposure, I am confident that Pakistani badminton will once again shine on the world stage.
Moderator: Thank you,Raheela,for sharing your insights.
Readers: What are your thoughts on the performance of these young athletes? Share your opinions and predictions for the future of Pakistani badminton in the comments below!
