The BWF World Junior Championships 2024, held in Nanchang, China, stood out not only for its high level of competition but also for the numerous development initiatives that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) implemented to support the next generation of players. Over the course of two weeks, young talents from around the world had the opportunity to enhance their athletic skills and explore new professional perspectives through a series of educational and training programs organized alongside the event.
These initiatives, which included a training camp, leadership workshops, and educational programs, focused on providing a holistic approach to athlete development. Players not only participated in thrilling matches but also received guidance on how to become future leaders and badminton ambassadors in their communities.
TRAINING AND YOUTH LEADERSHIP
Before the official start of the tournament, an intensive training camp was held from September 26 to 28. Led by former Chinese internationals Chen Jin and Huang Nanyan, the camp brought together 57 players from six different teams. Funded by Olympic Solidarity and supported by the Chinese Badminton Association, this program covered fundamental skills in both singles and doubles, offering tactical training to refine their techniques. Additionally, the Shuttle Time leadership workshop provided young players with the opportunity to learn how to organize badminton activities in schools and communities, developing management and leadership skills.
Participants highlighted the relevance of these experiences, which allowed them to improve not only in sports but also in key competencies like communication and group management. These workshops aim to foster a sense of responsibility in players, enabling them to be change agents and badminton promoters within their respective communities.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
During the championship, the BWF conducted a series of educational sessions focused on the comprehensive development of players, led by Development Manager Erica Khoo and Development Assistant Tracy Tan. These sessions emphasized the various career paths that badminton players can explore, in addition to the scholarship programs available to support their training and growth. Interactive IOC modules, led by Sharon Springer, were also offered, allowing athletes to identify their strengths and plan their future beyond sports.
The impact of these programs was evident in the enthusiastic feedback from both players and coaches. Lilit Poghosyan, a coach from Armenia, praised these initiatives for offering more than just sports competitions: “I did not expect to find so many opportunities outside of badminton. It’s amazing to see there is real support for the personal development of players.” These experiences have inspired some participants to consider additional careers, such as refereeing, ensuring a future full of possibilities within the badminton ecosystem.
