They are two 17-year-old boys, Patrick Adonis Munezero and Devy Marc Muvunyi, as well as two girls, Kelly Janvière Iradukunda (18) and Berthilla Niyomwungere (12).
They will fly to Cotonou in the Republic of Benin to represent Burundi in the African Under-15 (U15) and Under-19 (U19) Championships which will take place from August 22 to September 1, 2021.
These young people got their tickets after a qualifying tournament that the Burundian Badminton Federation (FBB) organized on July 23.
The two tournaments will each include a team event (men’s doubles, lady’s doubles, and mixed doubles) and an individual event. Burundi will participate in the Under 19 Championship only.
According to the National Technical Director (DTN), Nicolas Bikorimana, the 4 young badminton players, Badminton players, have been training 3 days a week since July 26.
“They have evolved a lot technically and physically. Psychologically, they are motivated, ready and confident. We hope for good results ”.
The DTN underlines that these last days, the trainings focus primarily on the play in doubles in order to improve the sequences and the displacements on ground. “It is important that the players are in symbiosis during a match”.
François Ndondo, president of the FBB, makes it known that participating in this kind of competition is a boon for the badists themselves, the federation as well as the country. “It allows players to self-assess in order to correct themselves and do better next time. It is also an opportunity for Burundi to shine abroad ”.
In addition, he continues, this allows Burundian badists to be classified at the continental and international level. “Participating in these meetings gives the Burundian federation an additional voice during the general assemblies of the African Badminton confederation”.
However, Mr. Ndondo indicates that the means are lacking. “The federation does not have much means. We try to seek support from members, friends and other benefactors. We are also counting on the support of the Ministry in charge of Sports, especially since it is a national team that will represent the country ”.
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