𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

…𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒌-𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔

By Tashi Tshewang

The Badminton Asia South Asia Regional Championship 2025 opened on August 15 in Bhutan, graced by the Minister of Education and Skills, Lyonpo Yeezang D. Thapa, alongside other distinguished officials and dignitaries. The ceremony marked the start of a week-long sporting event bringing together some of the finest badminton talents from the region.

From August 15 to 22, four teams comprising 61 skilled players competed in intense matches that displayed agility, precision, and determination. The tournament served not only as a platform for athletes to compete for regional recognition but also as an opportunity to foster friendship and unity among South Asian nations.
The matches captivated audiences with thrilling rallies, passionate performances, and a strong spirit of sportsmanship, reflecting badminton’s growing prominence in the region. The opening ceremony set the tone for a championship that celebrated both competition and cultural exchange, leaving players and fans eager for the week ahead.

Bikash Gurung, Development Manager of Bhutan badminton association said, “This year’s championship was highly successful, drawing participation from four nations- Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, with a total of 61 athletes competing across the U15, U17, and U23 categories. The level of play was closely contested, reflecting the increasing standard of badminton in the region and the depth of young talent emerging from South Asia. The tournament not only showcased skill but also the competitive spirit and sportsmanship of all participants,”

He added that hosting an event of this scale posed significant challenges, including coordinating travel and accommodations for multiple international teams and managing logistics for equipment and venues. “Managing costs, adhering to strict timelines, and maintaining effective communication among all stakeholders, including government agencies, schools, volunteers, and international officials, required careful planning. Despite these complexities, the organizers successfully navigated each challenge through early coordination, teamwork, and dedication, ensuring the championship ran smoothly and showcased the best of South Asian badminton,” he said.

Raja Azhar, Secretary General of the Pakistan Badminton Federation, said, “I am extremely proud to introduce our team of nine dedicated players. Each member has shown remarkable commitment and perseverance throughout the tournament, pushing their limits and displaying great sportsmanship. Their hard work and teamwork have truly paid off, and I could not be prouder of their achievements.”

The Pakistan team won eight bronze medals and three silver medals, reflecting their skill, perseverance, and teamwork. He added, “I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Kinlay, Secretary General of the Bhutan Badminton Association, and his entire team for their excellent hospitality and for organizing such a seamless championship. The arrangements were commendable, and the support extended to all participants made this event a wonderful experience. We are truly grateful and look forward to participating in similar tournaments in the future.”

Sunil Barahi, coach of the Nepal badminton team, said, “This is my very first visit to Bhutan, and I am truly impressed by this beautiful country. Everything here feels so peaceful and clean, and the people are incredibly kind and welcoming. It has been a wonderful experience for our team to be part of such a warm and friendly environment.”
Nepal performed exceptionally well, winning one gold medal and seven silver medals. “I would like to sincerely thank the Bhutan Badminton Federation for organizing this championship so wonderfully. The arrangements were flawless, from the venue to the hospitality, and the support extended to all participating teams made this event truly special. Our team has had a very positive and memorable experience, and we are excited to return for future tournaments,” Barahi added.

Hasitha, coach of the Sri Lanka badminton team, said, “This was our first visit to Bhutan, and it has been a wonderful experience. The country is truly beautiful, and we were very impressed by how well the tournament was organized. The hospitality and support we received made our stay even more memorable.”

Sri Lanka’s team performed exceptionally, securing 14 gold medals, six silver medals, and five bronze medals in individual events out of 15 categories. In the team events, they won gold medals in all three categories. “We sincerely thank the Bhutan Badminton Federation for hosting such a fantastic championship. Their efforts in making the event successful are highly appreciated, and we wish them all the very best for future tournaments,” Hasitha added.

Ammarah Ishtiaq, player of the Pakistan U23 team, said, “I competed in the U23 category here in Bhutan and managed to reach the semifinals in women’s singles. Although I lost to Rashmi from Sri Lanka, who played exceptionally well, it was an intense and challenging match. I see this experience not as a setback, but as motivation to train even harder and come back stronger in future tournaments. Every match teaches you something new, and this one has inspired me to improve my game and aim higher.”

Despite her loss, the experience was valuable for her growth as an athlete. Competing internationally exposed her to different playing styles and strategies, helping her identify areas for improvement. She added, “This is my first-time visiting Bhutan, and I have truly enjoyed every moment of it. The people here are incredibly kind and welcoming, the weather and scenery are absolutely stunning, and the accommodation provided was excellent. Being here has been a memorable experience, both on and off the court, and I sincerely hope to return again, to compete, explore more of this beautiful country, and create even more wonderful memories with my team.”

The Badminton Asia South Asia Regional Championship 2025 concluded successfully, leaving a lasting impression on players, coaches, and fans alike. The week-long tournament not only showcased the talent and determination of young athletes from Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan but also fostered regional friendship, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange. From thrilling matches to outstanding performances across all categories, the championship highlighted the growing standard of badminton in South Asia.

Organizers, officials, and participants praised the arrangements, hospitality, and planning that ensured smooth execution. Beyond medals and victories, the championship provided a platform for learning, personal growth, and international exposure. As teams returned home, they carried with them memorable experiences, new lessons, and renewed motivation to excel in future tournaments, marking the event as a significant milestone in South Asian badminton.