The UAE Badminton Federation has announced the launch of the first-ever Sports Talent Championship in badminton. The tournament will be held on February 30th at the sports hall of Mil Cultural Sports Club in Sharjah. The event is organized by the UAE Badminton Federation, with the support of the UAE Committee for Sports Talent and National Sports Development, and hosted by Mil Cultural Sports Club. This tournament marks the first step in a national program aimed at discovering and nurturing sporting talent in badminton. The goal is to provide a genuine platform for identifying young prodigies and offering a professional competitive environment that meets the highest technical and regulatory standards. The championship will feature 10 categories for Emirati citizens and 10 categories for expatriates from various emirates. Age groups include: Under 9, Under 11, Under 13, Under 15, and Under 17 (boys and girls), reflecting the growing focus on developing the sports sector and sustaining national talent. Winners will receive medals and recognition, with a select group of standout players being chosen to join talent development programs under the UAE Committee for Sports Talent and National Sports Development, in collaboration with relevant authorities. The objective is to provide continuous technical and training support to promising athletes. This event is more than just a competition; it's a national initiative to instill a culture of sportsmanship and excellence among the youth. Noura Al Jassmi, President of the UAE Badminton Federation, emphasized that organizing this championship demonstrates the federation's commitment to its role in supporting the talent discovery strategy and expanding the base of badminton players. She noted that the championship serves as a crucial milestone for identifying promising athletes capable of representing national teams in the future. She stated, "We are proud to launch the first edition of the Sports Talent Championship in badminton, representing a fundamental step in building a new generation of talented players." Sheikh Saeel bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Under-Secretary for Sports Development and Competitiveness and Chairman of the UAE Committee for Sports Talent and National Sports Development, confirmed that this championship embodies the ministry's vision of creating a new generation of athletes capable of representing the UAE on regional and international stages. He highlighted that this event is the starting point for a series of tournaments and programs dedicated to nurturing talent across various individual and team sports. He added, "The Sports Talent Championship in badminton is a strategic step in our path to preparing champions and honing skills, reflecting our aspirations to develop national capabilities and enhance the UAE's presence in racquet sports."
