Selangor badminton celebrates unprecedented 813 entries for junior meet

SHAH ALAM: The nation's badminton pipeline looks healthier than ever after a record-breaking 813 school players turned up for the IJM Selangor Junior Closed Championships recently.

Held at Dewan Dato' Haji Sidek in Kampung Attap, the unprecedented turnout — the highest since the tournament began — underlined the rapid growth of the sport at grassroots level and reinforced optimism over Selangor's future talent pool.

Organised by the Selangor Badminton Association (SBA), the championships featured 11 categories, including boys' and girls' singles from Under-9 to Under-15, as well as boys' doubles in the Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15 age groups.

The tournament continues to serve as a vital scouting and development platform for young players across the state.

SBA president Datuk V. Subramaniam said the numbers spoke volumes about badminton's rising popularity among schoolchildren.

"The participation of 813 players is a very encouraging milestone. It reflects not only the passion of young players but also the success of long-term grassroots programmes that have been put in place," he said.

The championships offered total prize money of RM15,000, sponsored by IJM, adding further incentive for schools and players to compete at a high level.

Young shuttlers also benefited from a more professional competitive setting, with live scoring, live streaming and the Instant Review System (IRS) introduced to enhance officiating standards and tournament efficiency.

"The use of technology such as the IRS gives players early exposure to competition environments they will face at higher levels," Subramaniam added.

He stressed that the Selangor Junior Closed Championships would remain a cornerstone event in identifying and nurturing future state, national and international players.