PNB MetLife, an Indian life insurance company, on Friday announced the grand launch of the much-awaited PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship 2023 (JBC).
The dazzling launch event took place in Hyderabad and witnessed the introduction of two eminent badminton players Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty as PNB MetLife JBC mentors. Now in its seventh edition, the championship continues to uphold its legacy of nurturing young talent in the badminton sport.
This year it will be hosted across 10 cities across the nation in collaboration with 10 State Badminton Associations.
The launch event, hosted by PNB MetLife, was graced by the presence of PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship mentors, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who are India’s premier Men’s Doubles pair. Their remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the world of badminton. They were the first men’s doubles pair from India to achieve a top-10 ranking in the BWF World Ranking, reaching a career-best ranking of world no. 2. Both Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are Arjuna awardees, a prestigious recognition of their outstanding contributions to Indian badminton. They etched their names in history as the first-ever Indian doubles pair to secure victory at the Badminton Asian Championship.
Commenting on the lunch, Ashish Kumar Srivastava, the Managing Director and CEO of PNB MetLife, said: “We are thrilled to present the 7th edition of PNB MetLife JBC, a unique platform for aspiring young badminton players across the nation. This event has grown to become a highly anticipated annual sporting spectacle within the Indian Badminton community, enabling young talented players to Karo Bade Sapno Ki Taiyari. We see JBC as a platform that prepares our children for a future where they excel not just in sports but also in life, by learning values of sportsmanship and discipline, following and nurturing their dreams and getting inspired for greatness.”
“Eminent players like Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have transformed the landscape of badminton in recent years. This sport has evolved into a professional discipline, largely due to the remarkable international achievements of our homegrown talent. And I’m confident under the expert guidance of these two exceptional athletes, this year’s JBC edition will be a great success and significantly benefit the young badminton stars participating in the championship,” he added.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, shared his enthusiasm, saying: “As a mentor at PNB MetLife JBC, I consider it both an honor and a responsibility. Chirag’s and my journey in badminton has been marked by challenges, hard work, and unwavering support. Through JBC, we aim to inspire the next generation of badminton stars, nurturing their talent, sharing our experiences, and giving them an opportunity to play at this level of competition and improve their game.”
Chirag Shetty also expressed his views on the championship, stating: “PNB MetLife JBC is more than just a championship; it’s a platform for young athletes to dream, learn, and grow. We want every participant to understand that badminton is not just a sport but a way of life that teaches resilience, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. As mentors, we are committed to guiding them on this exciting journey.”
With this launch, PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship (JBC) embarks on a 10-city tour aimed at discovering the brightest badminton champions across the nation: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Ranchi, Lucknow, Jalandhar, Kochi, and Guwahati.
The championship features categories for Under 9, Under 11, Under 13, Under 15, and Under 17 age groups. Each participant can compete in a maximum of two categories, while adhering to the stipulated age limits. State winners will be invited to New Delhi for a prestigious award ceremony.