KP junior shuttlers win multiple medals at South Asian championship

PESHAWAR: Junior badminton players from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa put in a strong showing while representing Pakistan at the Badminton Asia South Asia Regional Championship 2026, securing several medals across different age-group events.

According to the reported results, Qari Muhammad Umer won gold in the Under-19 boys’ singles and Under-19 doubles events, and also claimed a silver medal in mixed doubles. Fahad Ahmad also earned two gold medals, finishing first in the Under-19 doubles and mixed doubles categories.

Hashir Shah added to Pakistan’s tally with a silver medal in the Under-19 doubles event. He also picked up bronze medals in singles and mixed doubles. In the Under-23 category, Umar Jahangir won a gold medal in the mixed team event.

Meanwhile, Hasnain Khan secured silver medals in the Under-16 boys’ singles and doubles competitions, along with a bronze medal in mixed doubles.

Association hails players’ performance

General Secretary of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Badminton Association Mian Sadaqat Shah congratulated the players, coaches and officials on what he described as a major achievement. He said the results reflected not only the players’ hard work but also continued efforts to promote sports in the province.

He thanked Adviser to the Chief Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Taj Muhammad Tarand and Director General Sports Tashfeen Haider for their support. He said the performance marked an important milestone for the Directorate General of Sports K-P’s badminton academy and gave particular credit to coach Hayatullah for his role in preparing players at a high standard.

Mian Sadaqat Shah also acknowledged the contribution of K-P Badminton Association officials Bilal Khan and Yahya Khan. He termed the success a matter of pride for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and expressed hope that the players would continue to win honours for the country.

Championship still underway

He added that the Under-23 events are still in progress, while the closing ceremony of the championship is scheduled to be held on April 7.

The performances by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa contingent gave Pakistan medals in Under-16, Under-19 and Under-23 events, with players reaching the podium in singles, doubles, mixed doubles and team competition.