PNB MetLife launches junior badminton championship

MUMBAI: In a bid to popularise badminton, private life insurer PNB MetLife today announced the launch of Junior Badminton Championship, which is approved by the BAI and supported by the world body.

The zonal tournaments will be held in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru from February to March in the age category of 9-15 years, with the final in Delhi.

"This is the first year of the launch of Junior Badminton Championship and we hope to continue it for at least the next three years. We expect 3,000-4,000 children to participate this year," PNB MetLife Managing Director and CEO Tarun Chugh told reporters here.

Eight children from across different age groups will win scholarships for training in a reputed badminton academy.

The company will also encourage underprivileged children to participate in the tournament and 16 underprivileged children would also get scholarship to top badminton academies.