The cream of the country’s badminton talent will converge in Seremban later this week for the eagerly anticipated 100PLUS National Junior Circuit Grand Prix Finals at the Negri Sembilan Recreational Club Hall from July 4-8.
Following highly competitive first and second legs of the circuit in March and May, the Grand Finals will showcase the future stars of Malaysian badminton at the Negeri Sembilan Chinese Recreation Club. For five days, the young players will be caught up in an intense battle for honours.
For the first-leg, the hosts were Pahang (Kuantan) for Zone A, Terengganu (Kuala Terengganu) for Zone B and Putrajaya for Zone C. The second-legs were hosted by Sabah (Zone A), Kedah (Zone B) and Melaka (Zone C).
Without a doubt, the 100PLUS National Junior Circuit has become the premier platform for junior shuttlers to create an impact and make their way into the national fold. The majority of the current backup and national players took part in this annual junior event in the early stages of their careers.
If the earlier rounds were anything to go by, the grand finals will be a thrilling as the young guns come out fighting. Among the bright sparks seen in earlier rounds were Sabah’s Samin Demond Anthony, Mozes Mohd Hamizan and Lye Jun Yew, and also Sarawak’s Joshua Voon Ern Hua and Pui Wee Young.
Lai Jia Qing-Virayut Som Mat of Perlis also impressed in the first-leg in the Under-16 boys. Johor’s Muhammad Affan Atabek and Muniandy Sharveen, Selangor’s Jimmy Wong, Kok Jia Zheng and Penang’s Samuel Lee are just a few other names who shone in the boys’ Under-16 and Under-14 categories.
Among the girls, the player who stood out was Selangor’s K. Letshana. Her dominating performance in this year’s Under-16 singles junior circuit, earned her a place in the national team to the Badminton Asia Junior Championships to be held in Jakarta from July 14-22. Letshana is the only non-Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) player in the squad.
Others to watch out for in the girls’ events include Siti Nurshuhaini Azman and R. Venosha, Samin Arena Satu, Goh Shuen Tong, Yeoh Zi Xuan, Odelia Wong Qiao, Amanda Yap Hwa Leng, Choong Ting Foong-Ong Ken You and Lim Shin, to name a few.
Melaka coach Choy Ah Sang describes the 100PLUS Junior Circuit as “A Class” and a “perfect place to tap new talent”. He added the circuit has benefited Melaka tremendously.
Two Under-12 players – Yeow Chun Cher and Aaron Tai – from Melaka have claimed the limelight in the category this year. Chun Cher won the Under-12 boys singles in the first and second legs and is also the National Schools (MSSM) champion. Both also swept the Under-12 doubles title in both legs and are also this year’s MSSM champions. “Thanks to the 100PLUS circuit we have been able to tap their badminton talent. I pick the two to be future stars,” said Ah Sang.
The National Junior Circuit continues to be the perfect platform for young Malaysian shuttlers to hone their skills as they work towards becoming national players and pursuing a professional career in the sport.
F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd (FNBM) Sponsorship and Activation Manager, Engku Isyamuddin Tuan Losin commented that the junior circuit had helped develop numerous players. “The junior circuit is the ideal launch pad for these young players. The future Chong Weis are just waiting to be discovered.”
Engku Isyamuddin added that 100PLUS was committed to supporting the 100PLUS Junior Circuit and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). “We realise the importance of the junior circuit for the future development of the sport in the country and we will continue to support efforts to nurture and develop young talents.”
100PLUS, the nation’s No.1 isotonic beverage, is the Official Beverage sponsor for all BAM events and activities including the Malaysian Open and the Malaysian Masters. 100PLUS is also the title sponsor for the 100PLUS National Junior Circuit (Under-12, Under-14 and Under 16) and the 100PLUS National Junior Inter-state tournaments.
100PLUS ACTIVE, launched in conjunction with the KL SEA Games last year, will be the ideal drink for the young players competing in the junior circuit. Consuming the non-carbonated beverage will help the players achieve peak performances during events.
100PLUS ACTIVE builds on the brand’s sports heritage and functional credentials to target sporty, fitness-seeking consumers looking for a no-fizz thirst-quencher that can rehydrate, replenish, and re-energise them during and after their fitness regimen.
100PLUS, a Silver Sponsor for Kuala Lumpur 2017 SEA Games and Para Games, is synonymous with supporting sports in the country. Apart from BAM, 100PLUS also supports the Football Association of Malaysia. 100PLUS is also the title sponsor for the 100PLUS Premier League and the Official Isotonic beverage for the Malaysian Football League.
100PLUS is committed to youth development programmes and currently supports Liga KPM (under MSSM) and the 100PLUS Malaysian Junior Open golf tournament. 100PLUS is the recommended drink of the National Sports Council.
