Jamaica Badminton Association (JBA) President Vishwanauth Tolan expressed delight at the high level of competition, enthusiastic participation, and support for the just-concluded All-Jamaica Badminton Championships.

Tolan believes the event, which took place at the YMCA at the weekend, showcased the growing strength of badminton in Jamaica.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of the tournament. Our players came out strong and put on some exciting matches, which kept the fans and all in attendance engaged throughout the weekend,” Tolan said.

“The All-Jamaica Championships has really given us a good premise to plan for key activities to be executed in 2025, including training programmes and regional championships,” he added.

The tournament served as a celebration of excellence, not only on the court but also off it.

This, as special awards were reintroduced this year, highlighting the contributions of individuals who have propelled the sport forward.

Honorees included Audley Astwood and Marcia Williams, who have organized the schools’ badminton league competition for over three decades.

Outstanding players were also recognized, including Tahlia Richardson and Joel Angus, who were named Female and Male Players of the Year, respectively.

Meanwhile, rising sensations Amir McBean picked up the Most Outstanding Junior of the Year award, while Justin Dillon was named Most Promising Junior, as both exemplified the sport's bright future.

Other awardees included Neil Lewis (Coach of the Year), Rusty Rust Academy (Club of the Year), and Brianna Burke, who received the President's Award for her exemplary service and ardent commitment as a council member for the past year.

On the court, the competition was fierce, as Tahlia Richardson was a standout performer, claiming the Women’s Open singles title. She also claimed the women’s doubles crown alongside Breanna Bisnott, as well as the mixed doubles with Anthony McNee, capping a stellar tournament.

McNee himself secured the men’s doubles title with Kemar Valentine.

In the Men’s Open final, Joel Angus displayed resilience to edge out Craig Allison to claim the coveted crown.

The Rising Shuttler category, introduced to spotlight emerging talent, saw Brianna Burke and Samuel Smith take top honours.

Craig Allison and Katherine Wynter emerged as winners of the Division A Men’s and Women’s Singles Badminton titles, respectively, at week two of the Jamaica Badminton Academy (JBA) Shuttle Showdown at the YMCA in Kingston from September 21-22.

Allison secured the Men’s title with a 2-0 (21-18, 21-17) win over Joel Angus while on the Women’s side, Wynter dominated Alexandra Beckford 2-0 (21-9, 21-12).

The Men’s Singles crown in Division B was taken by Odray Sealy who came from a set down to defeat Jamie Lee Vernon in three sets (18-21, 21-14, 21-12).

Brianna Burke defeated Sue-Ann Ogle in straight sets (21-16, 21-18) to win the Women’s Singles Division C title.

In Doubles, Anthony McNee and Kemar Valentine defeated Kenneth Anglin and beaten singles finalist Joel Angus 21-12, 21-18 to take the Men’s Division A title while singles champion Katherine Wynter combined with Stefani Brown to add the doubles crown with a 21-14, 23-21 win over Alexandra Beckford and Breanna Bisnott.

Stephen Lue Yen and Aaliyah Walker took the Division A Mixed Doubles crown with a 19-21, 26-24, 23-21 win over Kenneth Anglin and Stefani Brown.

In Division C, Jorie McBean and Samuel Smith took the Men’s Doubles title with a 21-18, 21-11 win over Jhevado Ross and Matheus Smith.

Brianna Burke added to her singles title with doubles success alongside Zoelle Jamel as they defeated Dadrian Lewis and Davina Scott 21-19, 19-21, 21-10.

Burke added her third title of the weekend in Mixed Doubles when she combined with Chavaughn Schleifer to defeat Joseph Morrison and Zoelle Jamel 21-17, 21-18.

The age-group were as follows: U9 Boys Singles- Zamani Allen, U9 Girls Singles- Jillian Yap, U11 Boys Singles- Justin Dillon, U11 Girls Singles- Brea Grant, U13 Boys Singles- Ethan Grant, U13 Girls Singles- Ella Bella Palmer, U13 Mixed Doubles- Ethan Grant and Savannah Watson, Boys U15 Singles- Amir McBean, Girls U15 Singles- Leeya Dileep, U15 Mixed Doubles- Matheus Smith and Sue-Ann Ogle, U15 Boys Doubles-Amir McBean and Matheus Smith.

Over 100 players turned out to display their talents at first weekend of the Shuttle Showdown Badminton Tournament 2024 which took place at the YMCA in Kingston on September 14^th and 15^th.

From thrilling matches in the Beginner’s Division, Division B, and Division D to the enthusiastic support from around 150 spectators daily, the tournament showcased exceptional badminton talent, sportsmanship and community spirit.

With over $150,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, players truly gave their all on the court.

Tijae Hinds was the star of the weekend, taking the titles in Division B Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles alongside Stephen Lue-Yen and Mixed Doubles alongside Breanna Bisnott.

The other winners were as follows:

Beginner’s Division- Selcon Zhang (Men’s Singles), Rolde Ann Broderick and Ashani Edwards (Mixed Doubles) and Davina Scott and Leonardo Wildman (Mixed Doubles).

Division D- Jhevado Ross (Men’s Singles), Dadrian Lewis (Women’s Singles), Marvin Lee and Rohan Brown (Men’s Doubles).

Patrons also enjoyed servings from The Burrito Shack, Zen Bowls and Bad Dawg Sausages, among many others to combat the heat of the day.

Jamaica Badminton Academy extends their gratitude to their sponsors including Chas. E. Ramson, Devon Biscuits, Lifespan Springwater, Premier Optical, Zalco Distributors, Shop Tech Goods, VP Racket Sports, Jamaica Sotheby's Realty Jamaica, ND Communications, Haven Beauty House, Dr. Mangue Chin and Television Jamaica for their coverage.