KUALA LUMPUR – The inaugural NCT Junior Badminton Championships concluded on Sunday after five preliminary rounds, with more than 600 players competing over three days.
The event showcased the talent and dedication of young badminton players from across the nation, where the top four performers in each category from every stage secured their tickets to the prestigious final round, slated to take place in Kuala Lumpur at the end of the month.
From there, the winners will head to France to attend the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Among the standout victors was Lim En Yu from Kedah, who won the Under-11 girls’ singles and doubles crown.
About 3,000 players aged between 8 and 15 from all over the country contested the 14 events in the past five legs, with the top four players in each event qualifying for the finals.
Reflecting on the talent displayed, former national men’s singles player Kwan Yoke Meng emphasised the importance of nurturing young talent within the 13 to 15-year-old age bracket.
“There are strong players in every region and every state, especially among the 13 to 15-year-olds,” he said.
“The age group is vital for scouting and nurturing talent for the Badminton Association of Malaysia.
“I hope sponsors and clubs will provide more resources to continue nurturing players who will carry Malaysia’s hopes of competing for gold medals at future Olympic Games.”
NCT Alliance has partnered with Petaling Badminton Club to unveil an inspiring initiative – a nationwide series of badminton tournaments, including the prestigious Road to NCT Junior Badminton Championship, aimed at nurturing future champions.
To further ignite the spirit of sportsmanship among Malaysians, participants in the Road to NCT Junior Badminton Championship will also stand a chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, an all-inclusive trip to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. – May 15, 2024