Cook Islands U15 badminton team. SUPPLIED / 24111505
The Cook Islands U15 badminton team is gearing up to compete in the prestigious 2025 Pacific Invitational, organized by Badminton Oceania.
This highly anticipated tournament, which runs concurrently with the Oceania Mixed Teams Championships, is set to unfold at the scenic North Shore in Auckland from February 7-12, 2025.
This biennial event provides a crucial platform for young athletes to display their skills and compete on an international level, fostering the growth of badminton in the region.
The Cook Islands team, proudly composed of three talented boys and three skilled girls, is determined to improve upon their remarkable performance at the inaugural U15 competition in 2023.
During that tournament, the team secured an impressive silver medal following a nail-biting 3-2 defeat against Tahiti in the final match. This time around, they are resolute in their mission to push beyond last year’s result and seize the coveted gold medal. The team roster includes standout players Vincent Simpson, Claude Simpson, Zephania Aperau-Toa, Trudeinus Tuaputa, Terito Napa, and Hinaarii Taulu-Amo.
Thomas Ngauru, the President of the Cook Islands Badminton Federation, expressed his unwavering confidence in the young athletes, stating, “We are incredibly proud of this team. They’ve shown immense potential, and with hard work and dedication, I’m confident they’ll deliver a strong performance in Auckland.”
The upcoming competition is expected to attract a host of talented teams from across the Pacific, including strong contenders from New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, Guam, and the Northern Marianas. In preparation for the formidable competition, the Cook Islands team has embarked on an intense three-month training regimen aimed at enhancing their technical skills, boosting physical fitness, and fostering team cohesion.
Alongside their rigorous training schedule, the team is actively engaged in fundraising initiatives to finance their campaign. These efforts include community events at CITC Supermarket, where local supporters have consistently demonstrated their commitment to the team’s success.
The team is deeply appreciative of the generous support from their sponsors. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Bank of the Cook Islands and Badminton Oceania for making this journey possible,” Ngauru added.
With a comprehensive training approach and robust community backing, the Cook Islands U15 Badminton team is well-equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead in Auckland. Their participation in the Pacific Invitational represents an invaluable opportunity to engage in high-level competition and gain significant international experience.
Meanwhile, the Aitutaki Badminton Association proudly convened its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 11, marking a significant milestone for the local badminton community.
According to Badminton Cook Islands, this meeting symbolizes a giant leap forward for the local badminton scene, uniting players, coaches, and enthusiasts who are eager to cultivate the sport on the island.
They engaged in discussions surrounding future tournaments, community outreach initiatives, and training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of players at all levels.
Recent performances have highlighted the local talent, as junior players from Aitutaki showcased their capabilities in both a College tournament and the AIMS competition, demonstrating the community’s growing passion for badminton.
What strategies are being implemented to enhance the athletes’ mental toughness as they prepare for the Pacific Invitational?
**Interview with Thomas Ngauru, President of the Cook Islands Badminton Federation**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Thomas. The Cook Islands U15 badminton team is gearing up for the 2025 Pacific Invitational. How are the athletes preparing for this significant tournament?
**Thomas Ngauru:** Thank you for having me. Our team is in high spirits and has been undergoing an intense three-month training regimen. We’ve focused on refining their technical skills, fitness levels, and mental toughness to ensure they are ready to compete against some tough opponents.
**Editor:** Last year, the team secured a silver medal. What are your expectations for this year’s competition?
**Thomas Ngauru:** We’re aiming for gold this year. The silver medal was a tremendous achievement, but it also highlighted areas we can improve on. The team is quite determined to build on that experience and bring home the top prize this time around.
**Editor:** Can you tell us about the team members and what strengths they bring to the table?
**Thomas Ngauru:** Absolutely. Our team consists of three talented boys—Vincent Simpson, Claude Simpson, and Zephania Aperau-Toa—and three skilled girls—Trudeinus Tuaputa, Terito Napa, and Hinaarii Taulu-Amo. Each player brings unique strengths, from powerful smashes to strategic play, making us a well-rounded team ready to face any challenge.
**Editor:** How do you feel about the competition from other nations like New Caledonia and Guam?
**Thomas Ngauru:** The competition will certainly be tough, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for our athletes to showcase their skills on an international stage. We’ve acknowledged the strengths of teams from places like New Caledonia and Guam, but we’re focused on our own preparation and strategy.
**Editor:** What does participation in this tournament mean for the growth of badminton in the Cook Islands?
**Thomas Ngauru:** This tournament is a critical platform for our young athletes. It not only encourages the growth of badminton in our nation but also inspires future generations to get involved in the sport. Success at this level can foster greater interest and support for badminton in the Cook Islands.
**Editor:** Thank you, Thomas. We look forward to seeing the Cook Islands U15 team shine at the Pacific Invitational!
**Thomas Ngauru:** Thank you! We appreciate your support and can’t wait to represent our nation in Auckland.