Punjab Newsline | Jalandhar
The 4-day Punjab State Sub-Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament began today at the iconic Raizada Hansraj Badminton Stadium in Jalandhar. The championship is being organised under the aegis of the Punjab Badminton Association and will continue till May 22, 2026.
The tournament was inaugurated by Chief Guest and MLA Amritpal Singh Sukhanand, who also serves as President of the Punjab Badminton Association. Addressing the gathering, he said the Punjab Government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is focused on strengthening the state’s sports ecosystem and steering youth away from drugs by promoting sports and constructive activities.
He highlighted that for the first time in Punjab’s history, the sports budget has seen a significant rise from ₹350 crore to ₹1,791 crore, reflecting the government’s strong commitment towards sports development. He also appreciated the association’s efforts in promoting badminton at the grassroots level across the state.
PBA Honorary Secretary Ritin Khanna informed that the tournament has received an overwhelming response with over 600 entries from nearly 400 players representing 23 districts of Punjab. Competitions are being held across 10 events in Under-15 and Under-17 boys’ and girls’ categories.
A total of 500 matches will be played over the next four days, with the finals scheduled for May 22. Winners will be awarded cash prizes and other rewards.
Special arrangements for food and refreshments have also been made for players and coaches to ensure comfort throughout the event.
In an emotional moment, the association paid tribute to late young shuttlers Mayank Sharma and Sahib, who lost their lives in separate road accidents. In their memory, two running trophies have been instituted for the Under-15 and Under-17 categories.
International badminton player Manya Ralhan from Jalandhar was also felicitated with a cash award of ₹31,000 for winning a bronze medal at the Saint Denis Open in France.
Prominent members of the badminton fraternity, including DBA Treasurer Palwinder Juneja and several others, were present on the occasion.
