World Junior Badminton Championships: Guwahati Ready with New Initiatives and High Hopes

NEW DELHI: Guwahati is all set to host the World Junior Badminton Championships from October 13-19, with the Badminton Association of India (BAI) and Badminton World Federation (BWF) busy with preparations to ensure a smooth and successful event.

Key Preparations and New Initiatives

• Increasing immigration counters to facilitate player arrival.
• Ensuring sufficient practice courts and a well-equipped venue.
• Implementing a new 3×15 scoring system for individual competitions.

Hosting History and Expectations

This is India’s second time hosting the event after the 2008 edition in Pune, where Saina Nehwal was crowned the girls’ singles champion. BAI secretary general Sanjay Mishra confirmed that around 600-700 players and officials will attend, with 39 teams already registered for the team event.

Venue and Infrastructure

The National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) in Guwahati will host the team event from October 6-11, followed by the individual competition. BWF secretary general Thomas Lund expressed confidence in the facility, stating that it was “a readymade badminton facility well-equipped to welcome the best emerging talent from around the world.”

Challenges and Solutions

BAI has taken measures to address potential challenges, such as traffic management, accommodation, and player arrivals. Mishra assured, “We have blocked hotel rooms, and the Assam chief minister has ordered state departments to ensure smooth traffic for players.”

Innovations and Looking Ahead

New innovations for the event include an updated relay system for the mixed team tournament and the trial of a 3×15 scoring system in individual championships. Looking ahead, India is set to host the senior World Championships next year.

Past Challenges and Learnings

BAI acknowledged past challenges such as security concerns and poor playing conditions at previous events but expressed confidence in their preparations for the upcoming championships.

Did you know?

Guwahati has previously hosted successful events, including the 2016 South Asian Games and the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, demonstrating its capability to host international sports events.

Pro tip for visitors

Arrive in Guwahati a few days early to explore its rich cultural heritage, visit the Kamakhya Temple, and enjoy the local cuisine.

FAQs

• Q: When do the World Junior Badminton Championships start?
  A: The championships begin on October 13, 2023.
• Q: Where will the event be held?
  A: The event will take place at the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) in Guwahati, Assam, India.
• Q: What new innovations can be expected at the event?
  A: An updated relay system for the mixed team tournament and a trial of the 3×15 scoring system in individual championships.

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