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By Errol “DynamiX” Alegre, Jr.

NMBA’s Andreau Galvez lunges for the push shot while teammate Loida Ito looks forward in preparation for a return. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

The Guam National Badminton Federation held its first international Summer Friendship Badminton tournament Friday night at the St. Paul Northern Campus gym.

The event featured teams from the Northern Marianas Badminton Association, the Guam National Badminton Federation, and the Double Play Badminton Club of the Philippines; each team brought no less than eight players to compete.

After each team was recognized and introduction speeches were given, including a speech from guest speaker Senator Dennis Rodriguez, competitors made their way to the courts to begin the first set of matches.

The GNBF was founded in October, 2009 and is operated out of the St. Paul Northern Campus gym. Although this event was the first of its kind by bringing in competitors from off-island, the federation has conducted numerous local tournaments that have helped the fastest-racket-sport in the world grow within the local community. This year’s international tournament is a perfect example of it’s growing popularity.

Nico Liwanag and Nica Mojas represent the GNBF in their first match of the day. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Although it was a big step forward for GNBF, the federation has even bigger plans for the future of local Badminton athletes.

“Our ultimate goal, as the national federation, is to field a national team. And the best way to do so is to start with the juniors and train them as they grow,” stated GNBF president Sandra Low.

The two-day tournament composed of two competitive levels of ladies doubles, mens doubles, and mixed doubles events. All matches were played in two sets of 1-21 points each, straight and with no setting, and followed a round robin format. The tournament began with the mixed doubles event and will conclude on Saturday with the men’s and women’s doubles events, followed by the awarding of trophies for the champions.

Be sure to check back here for the complete results.

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