Delta State’s Joel Achimbon has emerged champion of the Boys Singles at the fourth South-South Under-13 Badminton Tournament, which ended, weekend, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Stephen Keshi International Stadium, Asaba.

The tournament, which brought together promising young badminton players from across the South-South region, particularly Delta and Edo states, showcased the growing depth of talent at the grassroots level and produced a new generation of emerging champions.

Achimbon dominated the Boys Singles event to claim the coveted first position, while fellow Delta player Triumph Okocha finished runner-up. Delight Julius secured third position, with Joshua Patrice placing fourth.

The competition also witnessed keen contests in the doubles and mixed doubles categories, with the young athletes displaying impressive levels of agility, shot placement, footwork and determination.

In the Boys Doubles, Jim Walter and Triumph Okocha emerged champions, while David Adebayo and Delight Julius finished second. Joshua Patrick and Joseph Patrick took third position, with Joel Achimbom and Jeremiah Francis placing fourth.

The Girls Doubles category produced another competitive contest, with Tega Ufuoma and Samuel emerging winners. Oreva and Fatima Amu finished in second place, while Bright Ita and Bright John secured third position. Emmanuel and Purity completed the standings in fourth place.

The Mixed Doubles event also provided a strong showing, with Delta’s Joel Achimbon partnering Edo’s Bright Ita to win the title. Triumph and Tega Ufuoma, both representing Delta, finished runners-up, while David Adebayo and Fatima secured third position. Jim Walter and Angel Charles placed fourth.

Beyond the medals and recognition, the organisers rewarded the young athletes with sporting equipment and other gift items as incentives for their commitment and dedication to badminton.

The prizes included badminton rackets, shuttlecocks and sports footwear, among other sporting materials, with the organisers stressing that the incentives were designed to encourage the players to remain committed to regular training and competitive participation.

Chairman of the Delta State Badminton Association and South-South Representative on the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Felix Awala Tangbe, expressed appreciation to the players, coaches, officials, parents, supporters and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the competition.

Tangbe particularly commended the coaches for their dedication to nurturing the young athletes, stressing that the development of badminton at the grassroots required sustained commitment from all stakeholders.

He urged parents to continue supporting their children in their sporting pursuits, noting that adequate encouragement and exposure could help the young players realise their potential and build meaningful careers in the sport.

According to him, age-grade competitions remain crucial to the long-term development of badminton because they provide young athletes with regular opportunities to compete, learn and adapt under pressure.

He noted that consistent participation in competitive events would enable the players to improve their technical abilities, tactical awareness, mental strength and confidence on the court.