Kuwait Hosts First-Ever Masters Badminton Tournament for Seniors
Group photo of winners.
Kuwait City became the site of badminton history, hosting the inaugural IBAK SLAM 2024, a Masters Tournament exclusively for senior players. The event, held at the IBAK Salwa Gym, was a showcase of skill, sportsmanship, and the sheer joy of competition, drawing seasoned players from across the globe.
An Event to Remember
Six competitive teams – Team India, Team Malaysia, Team Canada, plus the IBAK All Stars, IBAK Torpedoes, and Smashing Stars – battled it out over three days of intense competition, creating a thrilling atmosphere of camaraderie and seasoned rivalry.
Honoring the Years of Practice and Passion
“It is an absolute pleasure to witness such passion and dedication," remarked Mr. Praveen Singh, Director (Financial Services Group) of Al Mulla Group, during the tournament’s inauguration. "This event is not just about victories but also about creating unforgettable experiences and lasting friendships,” he added. Formal proceedings commenced on November 21, 2024, with Ms. Aishah A. R. Al-Otaibi, CEO of Aspire Kuwait, serving as the special guest, cutting the ribbon and officially opening the tournament.
“This initiative promotes inclusivity and physical activity, emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle and building strong communities through sports," Ms. Al-Otaibi highlighted.
The Champions Emerge:
The IBAK All Stars emerged victorious, etching their name in history by clinching the championship title in the team event.
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The Open category added further excitement, encompassing Mixed Doubles +40, Men’s and Women’s Doubles, alongside several Singles categories based on age groups.
IBAM Chairman, Dr. Manimara Chozhan expressed thanks for the phenomenal support provided by sponsors: Aspire Systems, Al Mulla Group, Kout Food Group, and Marafie Engineering Group. “This tournament marks a milestone for IBAK and Kuwait’s badminton community, reaffirming our commitment to fostering the sport among senior players,” stated Dr. Chozhan.
## Strong Competition Throughout the Bracket
OpenCategery Winners:
* **Mixed Doubles +40:** 1st place: Prabagaran Subbaiyan & Jayashree Raghu; 2nd place: Jabbar Farooqui & Irawati Dwi Nofita;
* **Women Doubles +40:** 1st place: Ainur Jubail D & Gigi Emperialde; 2nd place: Cheryl Magsayo Manaytay & Jeanette Tantiangco; 3rd place: Shaina Ajayakumar & Vidhya Jayapal
* **Men Doubles +50:**
1st place: Maheswaran K & Dr. Tamer Raafat; 2nd place: Rizqi Budi Raharjo & Manimara Chozhan Regunathan; 3rd place: Ramesh Chandra T Nagaraj & Gnanasambantham T
* **Men Doubles +45:** 1st place: Jafree Bin Ramly & Tiean How Tan;
2nd place: Shiroj Joseph & Ramesh Chandra Tarikere Nagaraj; 3rd place: Dileep Karunakaran & Rakesh Nair
* **Men Doubles +40:**
1st place: Maheswaran K & Subin Varghese; 2nd place: Hisham Ezzi & Pratap Kumar M; 3rd place: Sherwin Medina Felizardo & Santhosh R
* **Women Singles +40:** 1st place: Jayashree Raghu; 2nd place: Rio Calicdan; 3rd place: Ferrer Fazeela Abdul Khader
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Does Ms. Al-Otaibi believe the IBAK SLAM will inspire future initiatives supporting senior athletes in Kuwait?
## Interview with Ms. Aishah A. R. Al-Otaibi
**Interviewer:** Ms. Al-Otaibi, thank you for joining us today. You were present at the historic inaugural IBAK SLAM, Kuwait’s first-ever Masters Badminton Tournament for seniors. What were your initial impressions of the event?
**Ms. Al-Otaibi:** It was truly a remarkable experience. Seeing seasoned players from around the world come together, not just to compete but to celebrate their shared passion for badminton, was truly inspiring. The atmosphere was electric with camaraderie and sportsmanship.
**Interviewer:** Many see this tournament as more than just a competition. How did the IBAK SLAM promote broader values?
**Ms. Al-Otaibi:** Absolutely. While showcasing the skill and dedication of these athletes, the IBAK SLAM highlighted the importance of a healthy lifestyle, lifelong learning, and the power of community built through sports. This tournament embodies inclusivity and demonstrates that age is no barrier to pursuit of passion and excellence.
**Interviewer:** The IBAK SLAM appears to be a significant milestone for Kuwait’s sporting scene. Do you see this event paving the way for future initiatives promoting senior athletes?
**Ms. Al-Otaibi:** Definitely. The success of the IBAK SLAM has proven there is a strong appetite for events focusing on senior athletes. We hope this will inspire more such initiatives, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of individuals at every stage of their lives.
