KUALA LUMPUR – The NCT Youth Badminton Championship, which is being held for the first time this year, will make its way to Kuantan for the second round of the two-day tournament scheduled for this weekend.
The NCT had its opening round in Melaka earlier this year.
Despite the Chinese New Year festival, the second round of this tournament drew over 500 young talents aged nine to 15.
Participants who successfully qualify for the semi-finals in all categories will advance to the grand final, which will be held in June.
Any contestant who has successfully qualified for the semi-final stage in each of the five preliminary rounds will be excluded from competing in the next round while the qualification list for the grand final is finalised.
Soh Wooi Liang, the younger brother of former men’s doubles world champion Soh Wooi Yik, who led a team of young players through the first round of the tournament, said the tournament is critical for the development of young players. They can learn from experience and expand their network of friends.
“This tournament is very significant and has a clear target, which is to highlight talents. The 11-point system used is also very innovative,” said Wooi Liang.
Wooi Liang said he has seen many young talents in this tournament, and this is good for the future of badminton in the country.
NCT Alliance has partnered with Petaling Badminton Club to bring a series of national-level tournaments, including the prestigious Road to NCT Junior Badminton Championship, which aims to develop future badminton champions.
The tournament starts with the youth category, which targets participants aged nine to 15.
To drive the sporting spirit among Malaysians, Road to NCT Junior Badminton Championship participants also have the opportunity to gain valuable experience with full sponsorship to witness the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. – February 16, 2024