The NMI Junior Badminton National Team is heading to the U19 Yonex BWF World Junior Championships 2024 in Nanchang, China. The team comprises 12 players—six girls and six boys—who will compete in the mixed team relay (Suhandinata Cup) from September 30 to October 5.
The boys’ team includes Sean Dizon, Marlon Bautista Jr., Dave Odicta, Jude Mallari, Brandon Manacop, and J.P. Delos Reyes. The girls’ team features Lina Tsukagoshi, Shaina Malonzo, Genelyn Lansangan, Ruth Charmaine Bautista, Angela Maratas, and Abigael Robles. They are supported by coaches Nathan Guerrero and Janelle Pangilinan, along with team manager Ezekiel Macario.
In Group F, NMI will face tough competition from Indonesia, Poland, Sri Lanka, and Macau, China. Their matches include a showdown against Poland and Indonesia on September 30, followed by games against Macau and Sri Lanka on October 2.
In addition to competing, the team will participate in the Badminton World Federation Youth Athlete Development Training Camp from September 26-28. This camp provides talented junior players from developing nations the chance to train with coaches from more established badminton countries, preparing them for the championships.
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The training camp will feature badminton skill sessions alongside workshops on education, leadership, and integrity, aimed at equipping players for their future careers in badminton and beyond.
Regarding expectations for the competition, Guerrero stated, “The goal is for the kids to gain experience and learn from the best. The competitors here are among the top U19 players globally. Many former world No. 1s have emerged from this competition.”
On the team’s mindset, Guerrero added, “We aim to give our all. This is an incredible opportunity, and we’ll make the most of it. We won’t focus on losing—we’ll focus on learning.”
