The organizing committee of the first edition of the Sports Talents Championship in badminton has officially announced the closure of registration. This decision comes after a massive response and record participation during the registration phase, reflecting the tournament's growing stature and its importance within the national system for discovering and nurturing sports talents. The championship, launched by the UAE Committee for the Care of Sports Talents and Support of National Sports in cooperation with the UAE Badminton Federation and with the support of the Ministry of Sports, will be held over three days: January 30-31 and February 1, 2026, at the covered hall of the Mel Cultural and Sports Club in the emirate of Sharjah. The venue features eight professional courts equipped to the highest technical and organizational standards. The Assistant Under-Secretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Committee for the Care of Sports Talents and Support of National Sports, Sheikh Saeed bin Butti Al Maktoum, confirmed that the championship represents a key milestone in the committee's plans. These plans aim to identify promising sporting talents from a young age, particularly in badminton, and prepare these talents for advanced stages of technical and competitive training, contributing to the achievement of national ambitions. He pointed out that the significant diversity among participants, including citizens and residents, reflects the success of the Emirati model in attracting talent and building a conducive sporting environment that enhances the overall technical level and boosts the competitiveness of national sports. Meanwhile, the President of the UAE Badminton Federation, Nora Al Jasmi, explained that the overwhelming interest in participation reflects growing confidence in the federation's programs and development plans. She emphasized that the championship is a pivotal step in implementing the federation's vision to expand the base of practitioners and discover promising elements capable of representing national teams in the future. She added that the championship is not just about competition but is part of a comprehensive national pathway linking tournaments, assessment programs, and long-term development plans, serving the future of badminton in the UAE. The championship saw the registration of over 400 players, representing more than 45 clubs and academies from both government and private institutions, reflecting the tournament's diverse competitive nature and its ability to attract a variety of cultures and sporting experiences within a professional setting that fosters positive competition and knowledge exchange. The organizing committee confirmed that the first edition of the championship will be filled with excitement and technical challenges, thanks to the wide range of skill levels and age groups. This will provide players with a genuine opportunity to showcase their abilities and allow technical experts to evaluate and select talents according to precise, internationally-recognized standards. The championship includes 10 categories for citizens and 10 for residents across the following age groups: Under 9, Under 11, Under 13, Under 15, and Under 17 (for both males and females). Winners will receive medals and honorary prizes, and a select group of outstanding players will be chosen to join talent development and care programs under the UAE Committee for the Care of Sports Talents and Support of National Sports, supervised by the Ministry of Sports. The organizing committee concluded by stating that the closure of registration with these numbers is a clear indicator of the championship's significance and its future role as a sustainable strategic platform for discovering champions and forging a new generation of badminton stars in the UAE.
