The 2024 edition of the Yukon Youth Badminton Championships was played at Porter Creek Secondary School last weekend, May 4-5. Over 150 matches in a double elimination format were played among the 50 players present in three categories – Youth U13, Youth U15 and Youth U17.

In the Youth Women's U13, Tashvi Bathia dominated the three events with a victory in the singles final against Dorothy Dallaire, another win in doubles with her partner Sophia Fouari against Alexza Lawrence and Claire Callan, and finally winning the mixed doubles with her partner Oscar Luxemburger against Dorothy Dallaire and Justin Langlois.

Still in Youth U13, in men's singles, Logan Heke took first place against Paolo Zeden with a long match of 6-11, 11-9 and 11-2. The men’s doubles in the same age group was won by Malcom Dent and Elijah Jenner in a three-game rally against Samuel Boucher and Roger Luxembourg.

Kara McClean and Macéo Grottoli both dominated all the events for Youth U15, with each achieving a triple crown. McClean won the women's singles against Riley Cyre, and the doubles with Riley Cyre against Olivia and Haruka Ferbey. Partnered with Grottoli, they completed their three-event feat by winning against Rily Cyre and Daniel Hu.

As for Grottoli, his singles final was a long two matches of 21-19 and 21-12 against Samuel Tatsumi. His men’s doubles win was against Enrique Noah Carino and Daniel Hu.

In men’s singles youth U17, Terrence Gian Agoot won his match with a long three-game rally against Johna Irving-Staley. Irving-Staley took his revenge in doubles by winning the men’s doubles with his partner Macéo Grottoli, against Terrence Gian and Yuan Ashley Aguhar. Kara McClean also took the win in mixed doubles with Terrence Gian against Riley Cyre and Johna Irving Staley with a score of 21-16 and 21-14.

Caroline Thibault, the event coordinator and Yukon Youth Badminton Team lead coach, was happy with the tournament.

“The event’s turnout was pretty good this year, with everyone guaranteed to play at least six matches when registered in the three events (single, double and mixed), as this was a double elimination tournament.

"I am also happy about the unusually high number of Youth U13 athletes. Our introduction to the badminton program for kids aged 8 to 12 was successful this year, and many of the participants showed up at the tournament. We are hoping to offer the program again next year."

More details about the results can be found on the Yukon Badminton Association Facebook page.

– Submitted by Alain Dallaire