Badminton Association looking to build on 2018 gains

After a relatively successful 2018, the Guyana Badminton Association is bracing itself for a busy upcoming season, starting as early as January 2019.

Badminton is one of the sport disciplines that made quiet progress this year, both at the local level and in international competitions.

One of the highlights of the Gokarn Ramdhani-led Association in 2018 was placing 32 in the world at the World Juniors.

For a nation not known to attract a large cadre of badminton players it was a significant achievement for the sport.

At the Caribbean Badminton Championship, popularly known as CAREBACO, which was held in Suriname, Guyana copped 13 medals, including five gold medals.

The country’s top female player, Priyanna Ramdhani, created history by winning the Under-19 International Ladies Singles and Doubles at that event, as part of her eight-medal haul.

President Ramdhani labelled 2018 as extremely successful for the sport, pointing out the successes gained overseas, especially at CAREBACO, and the growth and development of the junior players.

Looking ahead, the Association will commence the new season with the GUMDAC Open Doubles tournament in January at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Several other local competitions will be held throughout the year to gauge players’ preparedness for some major regional and international events.

They include the Caribbean championship, the Pan American Games, the Pan American Badminton Championship and the prestigious World Junior Championship.