From 15 to 18 June 2017, the City of Novi Sad and the Republic of Serbia hosted two spectacular international tournaments that gathered more than 350 competitors and 600 participants in total from 23 countries representing European and Asian Continents.
Spectacle to be remembered, athletes that will dominate the world badminton scene in the nearest future and the global power of the Serbian youth. All of this was in the spectrum of colors that painted fifth Serbian U17 & Youth International, held from 15th to 18th of June in Sports center Slana Bara in Novi Sad. Badminton Association of Serbia, under the patronage of Badminton Europe Confederation, Serbian Ministry of Youth and Sport, City of Novi Sad, Sport and Youth of Vojvodina, Tourist organization of Serbia and Novi Sad and City Museum, created the event that, in terms of organization, surpassed all expectations. The core of the event, however, were participants themselves. During the four unforgettable days in Novi Sad, 350 athletes from 23 countries showed that they are currently in the group of most talented players under the age of 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17.
Perfect organization, competition conditions, high quality matches full of suspense, very happy and satisfied participants and beautiful ambient inside Sports Center Slana Bara has been crowned with brilliant performances of young and very promising European and Asian athletes. In very tough competitions among U17 and U15, U13, U11 and U9 (Youth) age groups Serbia won total of 17 medals – seven gold, four silver and six bronze medals and has been awarded with epithet of the most successful national team that competed in both events which found its place in the Official BEC Calendar 2017. The most successful U17 competitors were Sergej Lukic from Serbia with gold medals in MS and XD (with Marija Sudimac also from Serbia) and Zehra Erdem from Turkey with gold medals in WS and WD (with Zeynep Gokcen Ergincan also from Turkey). The best player in Serbian Youth International was Viktor Petrovic from Serbia with U15 gold medal in MD (with Mihajlo Tomic also from Serbia) and U13 gold medals in MS and MD (with Kean Kigyos from Hungary). Sergej, Zehra and Viktor were officially announced and awarded by the organizer for their fantastic performances as well as the youngest participant Matei Damian Pandele from Romania.
Numerous media and representatives of national sports institutions, sponsors, friends and members of Badminton Association of Serbia attended Finals and Closing Ceremony of Serbian U17 & Youth International Novi Sad 2017. More than 350 competitors, from youngest to oldest, carrying features of Russia, India, Italy, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Ukraine, Israel, Turkey, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, Cyprus, Hungary, Moldova, Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria, FYR Macedonia, Romania and Serbia, during four competition days performed their best and represented this Olympic sport in the best possible manner. Hundreds of interesting matches, turnovers, extraordinary moves and trick shots were seen on both competitions. During Closing Ceremony, Mr. Radomir Jovovic, President of the Executive Board of Badminton Association of Serbia, presented special acknowledgement to Badminton Europe Confederation represented by its Vice President Mr. Murat Ozmekik and Mr. Angel Papazov, City Mayor of Parvomay (Bulgaria).
In Serbian U17 International European Zehra Erdem from Turkey dominated in women’s singles, beating talented Turkish young player Bahar Yavru in the final. Boys U17 tournament was very interesting. Many matches were played in three sets. Serbian Sergej Lukic beated Luka Ban from Croatia in the final. Zehra Erdem and Zeynep Gokcen Ergincan from Turkey won women’s doubles against Maria Golubeva and Olga Kulkova from Russia. Polish Bartosz Galazka and Maciej Matusz became champions in men’s doubles. They won against Jan Janostik and Tomas Svejda from Czech Republic. Serbs Sergej Lukic and Marija Sudimac won the mixed doubles title by beating Semih Baha Basakin and Ece Sare Basakin from Turkey in the thrilling three games final.
‘’I am very happy that I managed to win my first BEC U17 Circuit gold in men’s singles as well as in mixed doubles here in Novi Sad. I am also honored to be proclaimed the most successful U17 player. During the all four days, the atmosphere was excellent, and having the opportunity to play on the home court motivated me to give my best. The support from the spectators was very important for me in both finals. Therefore, I am happy that I managed to create a comeback and win both final matches after being down one game down in both of them. After this very big success I hope that my position on European U17 Ranking will be number 1.’’ – Sergej Lukic stated after the medal ceremony.
Organization of this significant international competitions was also supported by Olympic Committee of Serbia, Sport Association of Serbia, University Sports Federation of Serbia, Serbian Institute of Sport and Sports Medicine, Anti-Doping Agency of Serbia, Yonex, Tin Sped Company, Ledeni Kvas, Integral Technic, Aqua Gala, Zlatiborac, Telekom Srbija, Boreas Travel and Koka Plus.
Badminton Association of Serbia