The Ajfan International Badminton Academy (AIBA) has announced the AIBA Junior Challenge 2024, a tournament set to run from November 28 to December 1. The event will focus on young badminton players from the Malé region, including members of the national junior team, Youth Development Programme (YDP), and other local academies.

Participants will compete across four age groups: Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, and Under 19. Athletes interested in joining the tournament have been encouraged to contact the academy directly for registration details.

This latest initiative follows a series of notable events and achievements by AIBA, highlighting its role in nurturing young badminton talent. Recently, the academy introduced the Mindset Mastery Programme, aimed at instilling a winning mindset in its athletes through engaging and motivational activities.

In competitive successes, AIBA players performed exceptionally at the Naifaru Open 2024, securing multiple medals in various age categories. Earlier this year, the academy hosted the AIBA Open Junior Championship 2024, held in February, which drew a record-breaking 280 participants, making it one of the most prominent tournaments in the region.

The academy has also focused on providing international exposure for its students, organising training camps in India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka during school holidays. Over 30 athletes benefited from these programs, which spanned 21 days and offered specialised training from international coaches.

Other highlights include the recent Eydhafushi Badminton Tournament 2024, where AIBA players showcased their skills, and an internal tournament held within the academy on November 15 and 22, which saw participation from over 100 young players.

Looking ahead, AIBA is planning additional international training opportunities in December, with camps scheduled in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Colombo, Sri Lanka. 

The AIBA Junior Challenge 2024 promises to be another milestone in AIBA’s efforts to foster young talent and enhance the sporting culture in the Maldives.