KUALA LUMPUR – The NCT Junior Badminton Championships offers a chance for young shuttlers in the country to witness the upcoming Paris Olympic Games in July for free.
The tournament, a collaboration between NCT Alliance Sdn Bhd and Petaling Badminton Club, aims to unearth new talents in the local badminton scene.
Winners in the under-13 and under-15 individual categories will have the opportunity to attend the Paris Olympics, with all expenses covered by the organisers.
The tournament’s promoter, Datuk Jack Koh, highlighted the importance of providing a platform to discover new talents, especially in remote areas, and hopes that other private entities will join in the effort to scout for fresh badminton talents.
“That’s why I often describe myself as a ‘safety net’ to avoid losing the jewels and to allow players some opportunities.
“It is heartening to know that some players are still motivated to participate for a third time after losing in Malacca and Kuantan without giving up,” said Jack.
The championships, now in its third round at Sports Arena Puchong, Selangor, successfully attracted 711 participants across 14 categories.
Marcus Hang lived up to expectations by winning the under-15 boys’ individual category, overcoming previous setbacks due to a foot injury.
“Currently, my form is at 70%, and since I haven’t reached my peak yet, I’m still struggling in this tournament,” says Marcus.
The fourth round of the championships is scheduled for April 19-20 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, followed by Penang on May 10, leading to the Grand Prix Final on June 2 in Putrajaya. – March 11, 2024