UNS:The opening ceremony of the 6th Spring Air Badminton Tournament, organized by the Islamabad Air Badminton Association (IABA) Pakistan, was held in Islamabad.
The chief guest of the ceremony was former Deputy Mayor of Islamabad and Focal Person of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, Syed Zeeshan Haider Naqvi. In his address, he emphasized the importance of healthy and positive sports activities for the younger generation.
He stated that he would discuss the promotion of air badminton with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, so that the sport could be introduced at the national level through a well-organized and coordinated strategy. He added that the government is taking serious steps to encourage youth participation in sports, and such events help promote positive activities in society. He further stressed the need to establish a proper structure for air badminton so that young players can fully showcase their talent.
The ceremony was attended by IABA President Mian Waqas Masood, Secretary Saima Batool, Information Secretary Syeda Raiha Ahmed Naqvi, Executive Member Nadeem Bashir, and Patron Tariq Javed Malik.
The tournament was organized under the leadership of IABA Secretary Saima Batool, who has played a significant role in promoting air badminton in Pakistan. The association is the only club in the country that regularly and systematically organizes air badminton competitions.
The coaching panel included Paralympic badminton player Zeeshan Gohar, Asia No. 5 ranked Head Coach, Assistant Coach Mehrab Nazir, and Junior Punjab Champion Kinza-ul-Iman.
A special highlight of the event was the participation of “Mini Shuttlers,” which included children under eight years of age, reflecting IABA’s commitment to promoting sports at the grassroots level.
At the end of the ceremony, the chief guest was presented with a commemorative shield in recognition of his support and cooperation.
