Jaipur Gears Up for Prestigious Sub-Junior Badminton Championship
The vibrant city of Jaipur is set to become the epicenter of young badminton talent as the Yonex-Sunrise Sub-Junior (U-15 and U-17) Ranking Badminton tournament commences at the iconic Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium. This highly anticipated event, which kicks off on Wednesday, promises to showcase the future stars of Indian badminton in a competitive nine-day spectacle.
Tournament Schedule and Venue Details
The tournament will unfold in two distinct phases. The initial qualifying rounds are scheduled to take place over the first four days, culminating on February 1. Following this, the intensity will ramp up as the main draw matches are held from February 2 to February 5. A total of 16 courts have been meticulously prepared across the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium and the adjacent Badminton Hall to host the Under-15 and Under-17 categories for both boys and girls.
Organizers expect a bustling opening day with approximately 500 matches slated to be played, setting a fast-paced tone for the competition. The players, brimming with enthusiasm, have been engaged in rigorous practice sessions since Monday night, eager to make their mark on the national ranking circuit.
Player Participation and Local Representation
This edition of the tournament has attracted a massive participation of 1,489 players from across the country, as confirmed by Chief Referee Milind Deshmukh. Notably, the host state Rajasthan will be strongly represented, with 169 local players ready to showcase their skills and strength on their home turf. The competition will feature a comprehensive format, including singles, doubles, and mixed doubles matches across both age categories.
Official Preparations and Seedings Announced
Chief referee Milind Deshmukh of Maharashtra arrived in Jaipur on Monday night to oversee the proceedings. After conducting a thorough review of the preparations on Tuesday, he expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. A crucial meeting was held with the technical officials, and the official draw was conducted in the presence of players and their parents, ensuring transparency and excitement.
The tournament seedings, a key indicator of player rankings and expected performance, have been officially announced:
- Under-15 Boys Singles: Shri Chetan Shaurya Shamla (1st seed), Aditya Singh Negi (2nd seed)
- Under-15 Girls Singles: Hamsini Chandaram (1st seed), Anvi Rathod of Rajasthan (2nd seed)
- Under-17 Boys Singles: Shashank Vanmala (1st seed), Viraj Sharma (2nd seed)
- Under-17 Girls Singles: Hateyishree Elrajesh (1st seed), Akya Sethi (2nd seed)
Adding to the organizational strength, Praveen Raj of Uttar Pradesh has been appointed as the match controller for the competition, ensuring smooth operations throughout the event.
This tournament not only highlights the growing popularity of badminton among India's youth but also reinforces Jaipur's position as a premier destination for national sporting events. The coming days are poised to deliver thrilling matches and potentially unearth the next generation of badminton champions.
