The Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open 2025 is set to kick off on Monday, 1 September, bringing together a record number of young athletes in one of the country’s most anticipated sporting events. The week-long tournament, running until 6 September, will be held at the Kulhivaru Ekuveni Badminton Hall in Malé.
Organized by The Badminton Club, the event will see 347 players from eight countries, including 30 international athletes, competing in 733 matches. The scale of participation highlights the tournament’s growing stature as a regional platform for nurturing emerging talent.
The competition spans six age categories — Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 — ensuring opportunities for young athletes at various stages of development. In a noteworthy move to promote inclusivity, the tournament also features a Para/Special Olympics category, giving differently-abled athletes the chance to compete on equal footing.
Dhiraagu, the Maldives’ leading telecom provider and title sponsor of the tournament, emphasized its commitment to sports development and community well-being. The company noted that the initiative aligns with its broader goal of encouraging healthier, more active lifestyles while providing Maldivian youth with international exposure in competitive sports.
Badminton has seen rising popularity in the Maldives in recent years, bolstered by grassroots tournaments and increased international collaboration. The Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open, now an annual fixture, continues to play a key role in building a pipeline of young players who may go on to represent the Maldives on global stages.
With nearly a week of back-to-back matches scheduled, the tournament promises high-energy competition, international camaraderie, and a celebration of sporting excellence for the Maldivian youth community.
