The early months of 2026 have seen a surge of success for young athletes from the ES Vitry Badminton club, making their mark on both the national and international circuits. Leading the charge for the “Vitry Young Team” is Colin Foucault Shirowjan, a standout U11 player who recently achieved a remarkable triple victory – in singles, doubles and mixed doubles – at the Strasbourg International tournament. This success underscores a strong period for the club, allowing other players to add to their growing list of accomplishments.
A Collective Force
Maxime Chan Hin secured a silver medal in mixed doubles and a gold medal alongside Colin Foucault Shirowjan in the doubles competition, following a final match played within the Vitry club. Lucas Tian earned a bronze medal in singles, marking his first international recognition and a testament to his dedication and progress. At the U13 level, Clément Chan Hin demonstrated resilience, securing third place in both singles and doubles despite battling a shoulder strain. “This is already his fifteenth international medal!” noted Fabien Julien, their coach and the club’s technical coordinator.
The club similarly celebrated the first participation of an athlete in the French Para-Badminton Championships. Billy Tear reached the round of 16 before being defeated by a promising opponent, with hopes high for a stronger showing next year.
Badminton, while popular in Asia, is gaining traction in Europe, and France is emerging as a competitive force. The success of the ES Vitry Badminton club highlights the growing investment in youth development within the sport in France. For those unfamiliar with the scoring system, badminton matches are typically best-of-three games, with each game played to 21 points, requiring both power and strategic finesse.
Foucault Shirowjan’s performance at the Babolat French International Borders tournament in February, where he competed in the U11 division, further cemented his rising star status. According to the Ligue de Badminton de France, he won the U11 singles event, alongside Lucas Tian, who also secured a win in the U11 singles. The pair also competed in the U11 doubles, while Chan Hin and Foucault Shirowjan teamed up for the U11 doubles as well.
The Strasbourg tournament, a key event for the club, provided a platform for several players to enhance their palmarès. The ES Vitry Badminton club’s palmarès page details the impressive achievements of its athletes across various age groups and competitions. Colin Foucault Shirowjan is recognized as a “Joueur Avenir FFBaD” (Future Player FFBaD), indicating his potential for future success.
Clément Chan Hin’s consistent performance, evidenced by his fifteen international medals, demonstrates the effectiveness of the club’s training program. Despite a shoulder injury, his ability to secure a third-place finish in both singles and doubles at the U13 level speaks to his determination and skill. The club’s commitment to developing talent extends beyond traditional badminton, as demonstrated by Billy Tear’s participation in the French Para-Badminton Championships.
The success of these young athletes is a testament to the dedication of their coach, Fabien Julien, and the supportive environment fostered by the ES Vitry Badminton club. The club’s focus on collective strength, as highlighted by the doubles victories of Chan Hin and Foucault Shirowjan, underscores the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success.
Looking ahead, the ES Vitry Badminton club will continue to nurture its young talent and strive for further success on the national and international stage. The next scheduled competition for many of these athletes is the regional championships in March, where they will aim to build on their recent achievements and qualify for the national championships later in the year.
The club’s website, esvbad.net, will provide updates on their progress and upcoming events. Fans can also follow the club’s activities on their Facebook page for the latest news and results.
