Badminton milestone

ANOTHER successful year has ended for Badminton Fiji recording achievements and milestones made during the year.

Association official Andra Whiteside said Badminton Fiji made a few achievements this year which was a highlight for the sport.

“Badminton Fiji has had a fantastic year and we have been very happy with the interest that has been generated for the sport in the country at all levels and ages,” said Whiteside.

The team to the Pacific Games had a successful outing as well as a number of international tournaments that the players competed in.

“Our national team competed at the Junior and Senior Oceania Championships in Melbourne placing fifth overall and two of our junior players took part in development training in Auckland, New Zealand which was organised by Badminton Oceania to build on badminton skills.

“In the Pacific Games we also came out victorious winning a gold medal, two silver and one bronze medal. There were some major highlights throughout our Pacific Games journey for us considering the injuries we faced leading up to and during the tournament itself. Winning the team gold medal was a big highlight for the year since we had not won gold in the team event in 16 years.

“We were also ranked 3rd behind Tahiti and New Caledonia respectively so to come through on top is a great achievement,” she added.

Whiteside said the association was now focusing on bettering their performance in 2020.

“In the early half of the year, we will be sending several of our junior players to a development camp hosted by Badminton Oceania as well as a Men’s team to the Oceania Championships in February.”