Jamaica’s young stars ready to compete at CAREBACO Championships in Barbados

KINGSTON: A talented squad of young athletes will represent Jamaica at the Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) Championships, August 15–23 at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium in Wildey, St Michael, Barbados.

The championships will feature both team events (August 15-17) and individual competitions (August 19-23), bringing together the Caribbean’s best badminton players for a week of thrilling, high-energy action.

According to a release from the Jamaica Badminton Association (JBA), this year’s participation is made possible with the invaluable support of the Jamaica Tourist Board, reinforcing the connection between sports excellence and sports tourism, and showcasing Jamaica as a hub for world-class athletes.

JBA President Vishwanauth Tolan has expressed enthusiasm for the team’s prospects.

“It has been a few years since we have participated in the team event at the CAREBACO Championships, the premier Caribbean tournament for badminton. We have a strong history at this tournament, and have won the most titles since inception. Our team is made up of a young cohort of talented kids, the majority of whom are in their first year of under-17. They got some good experience last month when they placed eighth in the Pan Am Jr Championships in Guatemala. We expect them to do very well, and, given that most of them have another three years in the junior division, we recognise the importance of them getting this exposure early and the important role it plays in our strategic objective of regional success both at the Caribbean and Pan American levels.

"For the individual championships, it’s a good blend of some experienced and new players across all age groups, under-11 to under-19, and I expect us to medal in most of these age groups.

"Daniel Ford, last year’s silver medallist in the under-19 boys singles, former under-15 doubles champion Amir McBean, and Matheus Smith, a gold medallist from 2023, should do very well in taking charge of their divisions. Trinidad, Barbados, and Suriname have been developing well, and we expect strong competition from them, particularly in the girls' event, and so the tournament should be very exciting. We’re immensely grateful to the Jamaica Tourist Board for believing in our vision and supporting our journey,” he said.

Representing Jamaica across various age groups, the contingent includes:

U11: J. Yap – Singles, Mixed Doubles; Z. Allen – Singles, Mixed Doubles

U13: E. Palmer – Singles, Mixed Doubles; J. Dillon – Singles, Mixed Doubles

U15: K. Reid – Singles, Mixed Doubles

U17: S. Ogle – Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles; A. Harvey – Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles; J. Han – Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles;

M. Smith – Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles; A. McBean – Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles.

U19: J. Ranger – Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles; J. Ross – Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles; D. Ford – Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles;

S. Smith – Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles; J. McBean – Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles.

Team event representatives: Daniel Ford, Amir McBean, Jorie McBean, Matheus Smith, Jade Ranger, Abigail Harvey and Sue Ann Ogle.