PNB MetLife, one of India’s premier life insurance companies, proudly announces the 8thedition of its Junior Badminton Championship (JBC), which is set to ignite the passion and potential of young badminton enthusiasts across the country. Building on the resounding success of preceding editions, the championship aims to continue its legacy of fostering sportsmanship, skill development, and the pursuit of excellence among India’s young shuttlers.
This year’s championship spans 10 major cities:Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Guwahati, Kochi, Jalandhar, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Ranchi, and Lucknow,providing a stage for young players to showcase their skills and compete at a state level. The city matches are scheduled to commence in New Delhi on 1stAugust.
Since its inception, the PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship has grown in stature and popularity. The past 7 editions have attracted over 48,000 participants in more than 38,000 matches. The championship was recognized by the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) with a World Record for ‘Most kids participating in a Badminton Championship in multiple cities’ two years in a row, in 2022 and 2023.
Serving as a pivotal platform for aspiring players aged between 7 and 17, the PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship offers categories ranging from Under 9 to Under 17, with matches conducted in singles format. Each participant can play in a maximum of two age categories, as long as the maximum age limit is upheld.
Sameer Bansal, MD & CEO of PNB MetLife, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming games. “The PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship has become synonymous with nurturing talent and promoting sportsmanship among the youth of our nation. Over the years, the championship has grown exponentially. As we gear up for the 8th edition, our focus remains on providing budding shuttlers with a platform to showcase and refine their talents, setting them on the way to achieving their big dreams. We look forward to an even larger turnout this year and to continuing our mission of encouraging and empowering the next generation of athletes.”
Asian Games Gold Medalist and PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship mentor,Chirag Shetty, shared his excitement. “It’s an incredible honor to continue my association with PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship as a mentor for a second year. My passion for badminton compels me to give back to the sport that has shaped my life, and I’m excited to help the next generation discover their potential and love for the game through JBC. The championship provides a fantastic platform for young players to learn valuable lessons in sportsmanship and perseverance. As mentors, both Satwik and I are looking forward to guiding and motivating these young athletes, sharing our experiences to help them navigate their sporting journeys.”
And Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, his doubles partner, Asian Games Gold Medalist and fellow JBC mentor, added, “I’m thrilled to continue my role as a mentor for the PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship. This initiative is more than just a tournament; it’s a steppingstone for young badminton players to hone their skills and to achieve their dreams. It’s incredibly fulfilling to mentor these young champions and witness their growth and passion for the sport. This initiative is truly building the future of Indian badminton.”
JBC remains committed to promoting excellence and fostering a strong badminton ecosystem in India. Through initiatives like the JBC Boot Camp, endorsed by top Indian players and coaches including Prakash Padukone and Ashwini Ponnappa, participants receive expert guidance and training to enhance their game.