Participants pose for a group photo after the awarding ceremony.

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 8: The Indian Badminton Association Kuwait (IBAK) recently concluded the 9th edition of the Kuwait Badminton League (KBL) at its Salwa Gym (Saad Al Awzi School) -- on Sept 26, 27 and Oct 3, 2024. The tournament, which featured top-tier talent from across Kuwait, offered spectators a thrilling showcase of skill, endurance, and exemplary sportsmanship.

The tournament culminated in a gripping final match between the teams “Royal Stars” and “Shuttle Stingers,” with the “Royal Stars” emerging victorious after a fiercely contested battle. The game was a nail-biter, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats as both teams delivered stellar performances.

While "Shuttle Stingers" secured the runners-up position, the "Royal Stars" were praised for their strategic play, teamwork, and persistence, which ultimately led them to claim the championship. Both teams were recognized for their exceptional display of talent. The semi-finalists, Team 5.30 and USC, also put up strong performances throughout the competition, proving themselves to be formidable contenders in this fiercely competitive event.

In total, six teams – Team 5.30, Thanjai Ninjas, Royal Stars, USC, Shuttle Stingers, and ISA – battled for supremacy. The tournament featured 90 matches across 18 ties, with a total of 198 games played and 7,109 points scored, showcasing the intensity of the competition. The prestigious KDD KBL 2024 badminton tournament was inaugurated by V.V. Subramanian, Vice-President and Chief Business Officer of KDD, in the presence of Dr. Manimara Chozhan, Chairman of IBAK, along with other committee members.

In his opening remarks, Subramanian congratulated all participating players and hinted at exciting plans for the upcoming 10th edition of the league, expressing KDD’s ongoing commitment to supporting the sport. The event attracted widespread attention from badminton enthusiasts in Kuwait and was praised for its high level of organization and competition.

The KDD KBL tournament, which has become a cornerstone event in IBAK’s annual calendar, not only highlights local talent but also fosters camaraderie and sportsmanship among the players. IBAK extended its heartfelt thanks to KDD for their generous sponsorship and support, which contributed significantly to the success of the tournament. With the conclusion of this year's event, excitement is already building for the next major competition, the IBAK Slam, an international tournament that will see players from different countries compete on a global stage.

The IBAK committee expressed gratitude to all members, coordinators, umpires, and line judges for their professionalism and dedication, ensuring the smooth execution of the tournament. The remarkable level of competition promises even more excitement and fierce rivalries in future events, as the badminton community in Kuwait eagerly looks forward to the next chapter in IBAK's tournament history.

IBAK can be reached at www.ibakwt.org or [email protected]

By Paulo Francisco X. Fernandes

Arab Times/Al-Seyassah Staff