Quindío native Nicolás Morales Rey is gearing up for a busy international badminton schedule, with competitions slated for Cuba and Mexico, alongside domestic events in Colombia. The 20-year-old, currently a second-semester student in Physical Education, Recreation and Sports at the University of Quindío, continues to produce strides on the global stage.
Morales’s preparation began with a recent training stint in Guatemala, allowing him to regain peak physical condition and gain valuable competitive experience. This marks his second consecutive year competing on the international circuit, building on a strong 2025 performance that saw him climb the world rankings. The support of Indeportes Quindío is crucial to his continued development, and the organization has confirmed its ongoing backing as Morales aims for the 2027 National and Paranational Games in Sucre and Córdoba.
Giraldilla Future Series Awaits in Cuba
Morales will first travel to Havana, Cuba, in March to participate in the Torneo Internacional Future Series de Giraldilla, scheduled from March 10th to 15th. This tournament, sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), is a key event for accumulating ranking points. “It’s a tournament that will allow me to continue climbing the world rankings,” Morales stated. “The expectation is high, to win several rounds, bring home a medal, and continue adding points.”
Pan American Tournament in Mexico Next
Following the Cuban competition, Morales will head to Mexico for the Torneo Panamericano de Mayores, taking place from April 10th to 15th. This event represents another significant opportunity to test his skills against top players from across the Americas and further improve his international standing. The Pan American tournament is a crucial step in his long-term goals.
Home Turf Advantage in Quindío
Morales will also compete on home soil, participating in the Primera Válida Nacional de Mayores in Quindío on April 23rd. This domestic event will provide a valuable opportunity to showcase his progress and connect with local fans. Competing in front of a home crowd is always a special experience for athletes, and Morales is eager to perform well in Quindío.
The University of Quindío has highlighted Morales’s success as a testament to the institution’s ability to develop high-performance athletes with global potential. His journey exemplifies the growing strength of badminton in Colombia and the dedication of athletes like Morales to reaching the highest levels of the sport. For those unfamiliar, badminton is a racquet sport played using racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net. It requires a combination of agility, speed, and strategic thinking.
Morales’s recent time in Guatemala proved invaluable, allowing him to refine his physical conditioning and gain competitive sharpness. He benefited from training alongside experienced athletes and coaches, including Pan American medalist and Olympic-qualified players. “I’m going to be practically 24/7 dedicated to badminton,” Morales explained. “Guatemala has good facilities, good human resources, and good materials, which allows me to train much more. Plus, I’ll be sharing with athletes who have won Pan American medals and qualified for the Olympic Games, which really helps to raise the level.”
The backing from Indeportes Quindío underscores the department’s commitment to supporting its athletes. This investment is seen as vital for Morales’s continued success and his potential to represent Colombia at future international competitions, including the 2027 National and Paranational Games. The department recognizes the importance of providing resources and opportunities for athletes to excel.
As Morales prepares for these upcoming challenges, he remains focused on his goals and determined to make a significant impact on the world badminton stage. His dedication, combined with the support of his university and Indeportes Quindío, positions him for continued success in the years to come.
Next up for Morales is the intensive training camp in Guatemala, followed by the Giraldilla Future Series in Cuba. Fans can follow his progress through official updates from the Badminton World Federation and Indeportes Quindío.
