Delta State’s Joel Achimbon, at the weekend, emerged champion of the boys’ singles at the fourth South-South U-13 Badminton Tournament held 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 spectacle, 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.

At the end of the competition, chairman of the Delta State Badminton Association and South-South Representative of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Felix Awala Tangbe, thanked the players, coaches, officials, parents, supporters and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the competition.

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.