Quarterfinalists gear up coveted PNB METLife Junior C'ship

After an exciting three month journey in eight different cities of India, PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship Season 2 kicked off with the National Finals starting at the Thyagaraj Stadium here today.
Out of more than 5800 players from all over India, more than 450 bright junior shuttlers get yet another opportunity to fight hard and lift the coveted National trophy along with the scholarship.
The tournament is being organized by Sara Foundation (an organisation for the promotion of sports). PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship has been approved by Badminton Association of India (BAI).
"Badminton is a great sport and it is not just about winning or losing, it is a sport which teaches you life lessons," said Commonwealth Games champion Parupalli Kashyap, who was here to motivate the young shuttlers.

"I have always enjoyed listening to sports personalities as a kid when I was growing up and it is a great feeling for me to be here in front of these bright kids
"This is a great platform and I would just like to say that keep playing the sport, practice hard and keep performing. All the best," he added.

Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Jayant Sinha also graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and encouraged the children to excel in the tournament.
Among other guests, Rajesh Aggarwal (IAS); Jt Secretary Finance, Tarun Chugh, MD and CEO, PNB MetLife, senior management from Punjab National Bank were present to motivate the young shuttlers.

10 National Winners will be wining scholarships for training to a reputed Badminton Academy of their choice and 16 talented children from the economically backward background will be presented with scholarships for training by a popular coach or at a badminton academy closest to their homes.
Eight underprivileged kids from inaugural season of JBC will receive scholarships again in this season to provide continued coaching and ensure maximum growth of the young talent. CRY, NGO partner, will be monitoring and reporting the progress.