Badminton Malta’s junior players recently took part in a two-week training camp as part of their final preparations for the ISF (International School Sports Federation) World Championships, being held here later this month.

The training camp was conducted by Czech high-performance coach Lukas Kroc and his assistant Martina Fartagova. The duo run their own badminton academy, Super Stars Most, and this was their third visit to the islands Badminton Malta said in a statement.

Nine players trained on a daily basis with the programme including court practice, fitness sessions, discussions and team-building activities.

Kroc expressed his satisfaction at the progress made by the Maltese juniors ahead of the ISFs.

“Probably, on a European junior level, this is the biggest improvement over a short span of time I have ever seen in recent years,” he said.

He also had words of praise for the local coaches who are totally dedicated and committed towards the development of their players.

As regards the Maltese federation, Kroc noted that the administrators have a lot of energy, enthusiasm and synergy in what they do, and that the organisation has clear, visible objectives.

“I’m also impressed with the higher levels of commitment from the players,” Kroc noted.

“With more international exposure, they could compete with the top juniors in Europe.”

Badminton Malta expressed its gratitude to both Kroc and Fartagova for their sterling work during the training camp.

The local badminton body thanked SportMalta, the Maltese Olympic Committee and the University of Malta for their support.

The ISFs will be played between March 29 and April 2 at the University Sports Complex and the sports pavilion in Ta’ Qali.