The bustling city of Yangon is abuzz for this year’s Badminton Asia’s Under-17 and Under-15 Junior Championships 2017 from October 4-8 with 12 countries and 325 players competing in the age-group tournament at the Thuwunna National Indoor Stadium.

And it is nostalgic and “down memory lane” for many of those involved in bringing the badminton biggie to the stadium which last hosted an international meet 18 years ago. 

This was the 1999 Golden Eagle Asian Junior Championships held from July 11-19 – a tournament which is still fresh in the mind of Robin Tin, former secretary of the Myanmar Badminton Federation (MBF).

With the tournament kicking off this Wednesday work has been frantic to spruce up the stadium – thanks to the many “helping hands” that have come forward to ensure that the Badminton Asia Junior age group tournament gets the best from the hosts for the other participating countries – Japan, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Macau, India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam and Nepal.

“The past 18-years has seen Myanmar players travelling overseas for international badminton tournaments. So you cab imagine what this tournament means to us.

“We are all excited and happy to organize an international tournament in Myanmar. It has brought a lot of  zest and enthusiasm in this matter, including from some former national players,”said Robin, who is the chairman of the tournament’s technical committee.

Robin was referring to some of the big names of Myanmar badminton who have chipped in to help in the organization of the tournament. Among them is former international Thiha Soe, Maung Maung (chief coach of the Myanmar Badminton Federation), the association’s two joint secretaries Brang Mai and Myo Kyaw – and not forgetting MBF president Aung Paing, vice-president Aung Ko Htwe (who is in charge of accommodation) and the association’s secretary Nyan Lwin, executive council member Aung Naing (in charge of transport).

They have all been at the stadium from morning till late night and thanks to them it is thumbs up from all concerned to give Myanmar Badminton the “big lift” with Badminton Asia playing its role effectively to take the game to a higher level and live up to its new motto – “UNITED and CONNECTED.” 

The stadium has also been given a new coat of painting inside- light purplish in colour which is soothing to the eyes – although it was done at the last minute. 

They have been virtually worked round the clock to ensure that all the shortcomings are remedied for the smooth running of the tournament. One of the most pleased person is Gaurav Khanna who is in charge of the tournament software and its technical aspects.

“I have nothing but praise for those who have made things work for me. I am really pleased that I have managed to get all that is required for me to complete my job. It is thumbs up from me. They are a marvellous bunch of people who get things done despite some language barriers,”said Gaurav who hails from India.

Also satisfied and pleased were tournament referee Yau Li Na (Malaysia), deputy referee Sharad Varma (India), assessor Girish Natu (India). 

When hosting international badminton tournaments took a backseat in Myanmar the Thuwunna Stadium was the venue for sports like martial arts and international exhibitions. A Korean Expo was held at the stadium before this badminton tournament.

The Thuwunna Indoor Stadium was also the venue of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Myanmar nationals of Indian origin during his recent visit to Myanmar.

“This badminton (Under-17 and Under-15) tournament is a big thing to us. We hope to take off from here and bring Myanmar badminton to a new level in this region at least,” said Robin who is also one of the two deputy referees.

Thanks to their DEDICATION, DETERMINATION and COMMITMENT – Myanmar badminton is ready for the big lift. – BADMINTON ASIA

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