The United States of America (USA) will host a total of 44 countries for the 23rd edition of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Junior Championships scheduled for September 24- October 8, 2023, in Spokane, Washington.
Due to the vast development performance of the sport in Africa, Ghana and Mauritius are the only selected African countries representing the continent at the 2023 global tournament.
Ghana enter this championship with an enviable performance by being the best African performer at the 2017 World Junior Championships in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Participation in the World Championships is vital for Ghana as it brings critical points opportunities for world rankings towards the Paris 2024 qualifications and the Youth Olympics; in line with qualifying standards, the athletes will also participate in subsequent events to increase their overall ranking at the global level; and an excellent development experience for athletes and coaches.
The BWF World Junior Championships consists of two separate competitions: a mixed team championship for the Suhandinata Cup and individual titles for the Eye Level Cups – all hosted over 16 days, attracting up to 50 teams and 560 players worldwide.
The World Championships provides Badminton’s 709 million fans and global media with a first glimpse of the future stars. The World Junior Championship is the first opportunity for talented young badminton players to represent their country in a world event. It is also an opportunity to experience top-level competition and perhaps put them on the pathway towards becoming one of the future stars.
Commenting on this, Dr Benjamin Konadu, Ghana Badminton’s Event Director, shared, “This is welcoming news for the Sport of Badminton’s growth in the country and Africa. The World Championships offers these young athletes the global pedestal to achieve better in their careers and sports.
“At the Championships, there will be a Player Education & Dual Career activation for players taking part in the championships better to understand the educational scholarships and opportunities available for them so that it can benefit them during and after their Badminton Career.
“In line with our Development Strategic Plan Mission 2027, Ghanaian officials will also participate in Training Camps and Coaching Clinics to enrich the global experience as the national Association spurs its development and strategic growth of the sport.”
Ghana is fielding a strong contingent in line with its National High-Performance programme and Selection Criteria. Please click here to view the Selection Criteria.
Credit: Ghana Badminton
