Shillong, August 2: Two boys from Meghalaya will represent the state in the 12th Union Bank All India Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament, which will be held in Bangalore from 5 till 10 August 2013 at the K Raheja Badminton Stadium.
Kiefer W Shullai and Kynsailang SM Umlong have been practicing at the Mawlai Datbaki Indoor Stadium for the past two months under Community Coach Sunny B Warjri and Meghalaya Badminton Champion Suba Pyngrope.
While Shullai ranks 45th and is eying for higher rank, Umlong is a first timer although he has had experiences in various competitions across the state.
Both boys are currently undergoing the last minute preparation for their departure on August 3 along with community coach Warjri.
Speaking to this reporter, Warjri said that the main reason he took up this task is to encourage budding talent in this sport.
“I want to encourage the youth and uplift the sport so that our state will also be known in the field of Badminton,” Warjri said.
Young Kiefer and Kynsailang are excited to be able to take part in the ranking competition and hope to bring laurels to the state, beside the awards.
“Yeah, I am going out there and play to win, and I am mentally prepared for it,” Kiefer Shullai said.
Both the main draw and qualifying rounds of this tournament will be played over best of 3 games of 21 points (boys/girls), with the total cash award on offer of Rs. 5 Lakhs.
The event for Boys’ Singles, Girls’ Singles, Boys’ Doubles, and Girls’ Doubles (Under-17 & Under – 19) is organized under the auspices of Karnataka Badminton Association and coordinated by Padukone Sports Management.(SP News)
