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PNB MetLife launches eight edition of Junior Badminton Championship
Mumbai: PNB MetLife has announced the eighth edition of its Junior Badminton Championship (JBC), which is set to ignite the passion and potential of young badminton enthusiasts across the country. Building on the resounding success of preceding editions, the championship aims to continue its legacy of fostering sportsmanship, skill development, and the pursuit of excellence among India’s young shuttlers.
This year’s championship spans 10 major cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Guwahati, Kochi, Jalandhar, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Ranchi, and Lucknow, providing a stage for young players to showcase their skills and compete at a state level. The city matches are scheduled to commence in New Delhi on 1 August.
Since its inception, the PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship has grown in stature and popularity. The past seven editions have attracted over 48,000 participants in more than 38,000 matches. The championship was recognized by the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) with a World Record for ‘Most kids participating in a Badminton Championship in multiple cities’ two years in a row, in 2022 and 2023.
Serving as a pivotal platform for aspiring players aged between 7 and 17, the PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship offers categories ranging from Under 9 to Under 17, with matches conducted in singles format. Each participant can play in a maximum of two age categories, as long as the maximum age limit is upheld.
PNB MetLife’s MD & CEO Sameer Bansal expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming games. “The PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship has become synonymous with nurturing talent and promoting sportsmanship among the youth of our nation. Over the years, the championship has grown exponentially. As we gear up for the 8th edition, our focus remains on providing budding shuttlers with a platform to showcase and refine their talents, setting them on the way to achieving their big dreams. We look forward to an even larger turnout this year and to continuing our mission of encouraging and empowering the next generation of athletes.”
Asian Games gold medalist and PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship mentor, Chirag Shetty, shared his excitement. “It’s an incredible honor to continue my association with PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship as a mentor for a second year. My passion for badminton compels me to give back to the sport that has shaped my life, and I’m excited to help the next generation discover their potential and love for the game through JBC. The championship provides a fantastic platform for young players to learn valuable lessons in sportsmanship and perseverance. As mentors, both Satwik and I are looking forward to guiding and motivating these young athletes, sharing our experiences to help them navigate their sporting journeys.”
His doubles partner, Asian Games gold medalist and fellow JBC mentor Satwiksairaj Rankireddy added, “I’m thrilled to continue my role as a mentor for the PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship. This initiative is more than just a tournament; it’s a steppingstone for young badminton players to hone their skills and to achieve their dreams. It’s incredibly fulfilling to mentor these young champions and witness their growth and passion for the sport. This initiative is truly building the future of Indian badminton.”
JBC remains committed to promoting excellence and fostering a strong badminton ecosystem in India. Through initiatives like the JBC Boot Camp, endorsed by top Indian players and coaches including Prakash Padukone and Ashwini Ponnappa, participants receive expert guidance and training to enhance their game.
JBC 2024 registration details:
The registration process for JBC 2024 can be completed by calling +91 9820006190.
The complete tournament schedule:
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
