Sri Lankan shuttlers Noah and Kayan shine in Saudi Arabia

By Susil Premalal

Sri Lanka’s Noah Thassim and Kayan Thassim secured three medals at the Saudi Arabia Badminton Federation Under-15 Badminton Championship. 

The two brothers living in the Middle Eastern country have had a keen interest in badminton since a tender age, and winning medals at a national level in Saudi Arabia has given them true inspiration to pursue more success in the coming competitions next season.

Kayan (14) claimed two medals, a bronze each in the Boys’ Singles and Doubles, but the standout achievement came from Noah (13), who had the privilege of pocketing the Silver Medal in the Boys’ Singles.

Both Kayan and Noah are now ranked among the Top 8 in both Boys’ Singles and Doubles in the Under-15 category in Saudi Arabia. 

They are slotted to compete in the upcoming elite competition, where only the top-ranked shuttlers will be featured in January 2025.
Following their experience and exposure in the concluded tournament, they will definitely weigh the pluses and minuses as they reflect back and grow from this wonderful opportunity. 
Both brothers will optimistically compete to finish among the medal winners at the elite competition.

By claiming three medals in two categories, Kayan and Noah have proved that they are already a force to be reckoned with at future competitions in Saudi Arabia and around the globe.
The administrators of the Saudi Arabian Badminton Federation and the Sports Ministry are genuinely putting out their best efforts to uplift the standards of the game. Badminton clubs around Saudi Arabia, clubs, and private coaches, who are equally committed with one goal in their mind. 

That is, to be able to reach the world stage. The Saudi Badminton Federation Under-15 Tournament was represented by 82 youngsters contesting in the Singles and 40 teams competing in the Doubles events, representing 40 professional badminton teams from across Saudi Arabia.