The school championships will increase popularity in badminton.

The Malta School Sport Federation and Badminton Malta will join forces and host the International School Sport Federation World Badminton Championships next month, having successfully bid to bring this sporting event to our shores.

The championships, open for youths aged between 14 and 17 years, will see both school and national teams battle it out on local courts.

From March 28 to April 2, around 275 athletes, representing 19 countries, including Brazil, China, India, Pakistan, England, Iran, Spain and Turkey, will be here vying for the honours.

Malta will be fielding two teams – boys and girls. They are being coached by Edmond Abela and Patrick Cassar who are assisted by George Camilleri and Aldo Polidano.

“Sports is very crucial in the development of the child,” David Azzopardi, chairman of the Malta Schools Sport Federation, said.

“It gives them the physical and mental skills they need in their early formative years as they develop through their whole educational system.”

Matches will be played at Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex and the basketball pavilion in Ta’ Qali. Since all competitions will be held during holidays, the public is encouraged to attend and show support to the young athletes.

“These championships are very important for Badminton Malta as they give our young members an opportunity to compete at international level,” federation chief Chris Spiteri said.

“We are also hopeful that this event encourages others to start practising this sport. We are grateful towards the Malta Schools Sport Federation and SportMalta for the support and drive they are giving this event.”

During the official group draw, held recently, the Malta Girls Schools Team were placed in Group B along with France, Bulgaria and Greece.

The boys’ team are in Group D and their opponents will be Chinese Taipei, Portugal and Scotland.

The Malta School Sport Federation has been a member of FISEC since 1947 and an International School Sport Federation member since 2004.

Badminton Malta was established in 1970 and has around 200 members of different ages and coming from all walks of life.

Badminton is part of the On the Move SkolaSport Scheme programme.