Young Badminton Stars Shine at ME&GEMS junior Championship
The National Badminton Indoor Stadium in Yangon buzzed with excitement yesterday evening as the ME&GEMS Junior Badminton Championship 2024 concluded with thrilling finals and a celebratory prize-giving ceremony. This prestigious event, a joint effort by the Department of Sports and Physical Education and the Myanmar Badminton Federation, showcased the remarkable talent of young badminton players from across the nation.
The under-19 men’s doubles final proved to be a nail-biter, with Hpone Htet Zaw and Nyan Shine Lin ultimately emerging victorious against the formidable duo of Lar Zwee Deka and Thurein Kyaw. The match, a testament to the players’ skill and determination, ended in a hard-fought two sets to one victory for Zaw and Lin.
The championship encompassed a wide range of age categories, from the youngest competitors in the under-9 division to the seasoned players in the under-19 group. Athletes battled it out in men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events, demonstrating the depth and breadth of badminton talent in Myanmar.
The closing ceremony was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including U Aung Paing, Chair of the Myanmar Badminton Federation, U Kaung Myat Kyaw, Township Administrator of lanmadaw, and representatives from UAB, ME&GEMS, and SP GEMS. These dignitaries presented medals and cash prizes to the deserving winners, recognizing their remarkable achievements.
The ME&GEMS Junior badminton Championship 2024 was a resounding success, attracting a remarkable 748 athletes from various states, regions, and clubs. Over the course of the tournament, a total of 465 matches were played, showcasing the passion and dedication of Myanmar’s young badminton stars. This event not only provided a platform for these athletes to shine but also served as a testament to the growing popularity and future potential of badminton in the country.
Myanmar Badminton Primed for Success? We Speak to National Coach Aye Aye Win
The ME&GEMS Junior Badminton Championship 2024 wrapped up recently, leaving a buzz of excitement around Myanmar’s young badminton talent. We sat down wiht National Coach Aye Aye Win, a seasoned veteran with years of experience nurturing the country’s future badminton stars, to get her insights on this promising event.
Welcome,Coach Win! The ME&GEMS Junior Championship saw some incredible displays of skill and sportsmanship. What were your main takeaways from the tournament?
Aye Aye Win: It was truly inspiring to see so many young talents competing with such passion and dedication. The competition level was incredibly high, especially in the under-19 category.This bodes well for the future of Myanmar badminton.
The under-19 men’s doubles final between Hpone Htet Zaw and Nyan Shine Lin and Lar Zwee deka and Thurein Kyaw was a real nail-biter. What did you make of that match?
Aye aye Win: It was a fantastic display of strategic play and remarkable teamwork. Both duos showed remarkable agility and court coverage.Zaw and Lin ultimately emerged victorious, but the close fight demonstrated the depth of talent we have in men’s doubles.
The tournament saw participation from 748 athletes across various age groups. Do you feel this reflects a growing interest in badminton within Myanmar?
Aye Aye Win: absolutely. The numbers speak for themselves. Badminton is gaining immense popularity among young peopel. More and more children are picking up rackets, and we’re seeing a surge in participation at the grassroots level. This tournament is a testament to that growing enthusiasm.
What steps can be taken to further nurture this burgeoning interest and develop Myanmar’s badminton scene on the international stage?
Aye Aye Win: We need continued support and investment in infrastructure, coaching programs, and exposure to international competitions. Creating more professional training academies and providing opportunities for our young athletes to compete against international players are crucial steps towards achieving success at higher levels.
The organizing committee stressed the importance of the ME&GEMS Junior Championship as a platform for identifying future stars. Do you see any standout performers who could represent Myanmar in major events in the coming years?
Aye Aye Win: There were several remarkable performances across various categories.A few names that come to mind are Hpone Htet Zaw, Nyan shine Lin, and a young woman from Mandalay, eiei Myint, who showed incredible promise in the under-17 singles.
What message do you have for aspiring young badminton players in Myanmar?
Aye Aye Win: Believe in your abilities. With dedication, hard work, and a passion for the game, anything is possible. Don’t be afraid to dream big.
What do you think?
Do you believe Myanmar is on the cusp of a badminton dynasty? Which young players are you most excited to see develop in the coming years? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
