Surinamese badminton players Rivano Bisphan and Imani Mangroe have reflected on their international exposure and growth following their participation in the 2026 South American Games, known as ODESUR, held in Santa Fe, Argentina, the Suriname Times reported.
International Insights Gained in Santa Fe
For Bisphan and Mangroe, the multi-sport event offered a vital platform to test their skills against strong international opponents and identify areas for future development. Competing in the singles events allowed both athletes to gauge their current standing on the regional stage. The experience of facing high-level competition provided fresh insights and boosted their competitive self-assurance.
“For us, ODESUR was much more than a few matches of badminton,” Bisphan and Mangroe stated, as reported by the Suriname Times. “The goal was to achieve good results and show our best game. But we are taking home much more than just the results. In the singles, we both experienced where we can measure ourselves and where we can still grow. Playing against strong international opponents gave us new insights and confidence.”
Developing the Mixed Doubles Partnership
Beyond the singles competition, the tournament served as an important testing ground for the pair’s budding partnership in the mixed doubles division. Despite having played together only a few times prior to the games, the duo noted noticeable improvements in their on-court chemistry, timing, and composure during matches in Argentina.
“This was only our second match together, but we already noticed more trust in each other and more calm on the court,” the athletes noted. “We were able to find each other better in the game and that only made us more curious about what else is in store.”
Broader Lessons from Team Suriname
The South American Games also exposed the badminton pair to athletes across various other sports disciplines, offering a broader perspective on elite athletic preparation. Observing how competitors from different fields manage pre-match tension, competitive pressure, and setbacks provided useful psychological tools that Bisphan and Mangroe plan to integrate into their own badminton routines.
Representing Team Suriname on an international platform remains a distinct honor for the two competitors, who expressed gratitude for the backing they received from supporters throughout the tournament cycle. The insights gathered in Santa Fe have established a clear developmental roadmap as both players return to training with heightened motivation for upcoming international fixtures.
