Young women from 12 youth clubs in the Northern Division are actively engaged in a newly set-up badminton programme, coordinated by the Labasa District Youth Council.

The programme was established three weeks ago.

Labasa District Youth Council, programme coordinator, Mohammed Shanil, said the badminton training and playing workshops were conducted in various clubs.

This is part of their sports development programme targeted at women.

Shanil thanked the Fiji National Sports Commission for their involvement in enhancing the development of the sport in Vanua Levu.

He said the FNSC provided a qualified trainer and with it resources for the badminton programme.

“We provide badminton sets to youth clubs based on their request and we keep an eye on the resource usage,” he said.

Matainiwai Youth Club representative, Tarusila Veregu, said this was the first time for her to play badminton.

She enjoyed the dynamics of the sport and the fitness required to match the required standard.

“I’m looking forward to the next training workshop at our area in Naleba with six of our members eagerly waiting to build on their basic badminton knowledge,” she said.

The former football and rugby enthusiast believes she could thrive in the sport through dedication and commitment

The 21-year-old is hoping for an opportunity to master the basics of badminton and enrol in phase two of the programme

Another badminton aspirant, Sukunatala Wati from Vuniyalayala Club, supported the inclusion of women in learning the sport.

The 16-member youth club have 14 young women who all participated in the badminton training workshop during the school break.

“Our bodies get physical upliftment when we play the sport and health-wise this is very beneficial in our fight against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs),” she added.