Jumar-Urmi Push for Long-Term Training, Federation Shows Readiness

After a two-day hiatus, Dhaka is once again set to host an international badminton competition. Following the conclusion of a 17-nation challenge tournament, a new series of competitions begins today, featuring an expanded pool of participants. In the previous tournament, the UNEX-Sunrise International Challenge, the mixed doubles team of Al Amin Jumar and Urmi Akter Rupa emerged victorious, capturing the nation’s attention and sparking renewed discussion about Bangladesh’s badminton potential.

Sustaining success, however, presents an even greater challenge. For the champions Jumar and Urmi, the immediate goal is not just personal glory but contributing more to the nation’s sporting landscape. Both players have expressed a strong desire for long-term, structured training programs, aiming to achieve consistent results and elevate Bangladesh’s international badminton stature.

The Bangladesh Badminton Federation has welcomed this initiative. Federation officials have already outlined a number of strategies, including longer-duration training schedules, access to superior facilities, and the engagement of high-calibre international coaches. Officials believe that these measures are crucial for the athletes to maintain continuity in their performance.

Previously, in preparation for the South Asian Games, the federation conducted a short-term training camp. Though the Games themselves did not materialise as expected, the preparatory efforts bore fruit, as the national shuttlers performed commendably in the Dhaka-based challenge tournament. However, questions remain about the sustainability of overseas training stints in countries such as Australia, Canada, and Thailand. Jumar and Urmi point out that foreign opponents have year-round access to advanced coaching and world-class facilities, whereas Bangladeshi players only benefit from short-term camps during tournament periods.

Following their final-round defeat to a Malaysian pair, Urmi Akter remarked, “They train continuously under excellent coaches, with far superior resources. Their sponsors and training infrastructure are much better than ours.” Both Jumar and Urmi emphasise the need for annual long-term camps to maintain performance continuity despite uncertainties in scheduling.

Jumar also highlighted the financial strain on players, noting that even basic equipment such as a box of shuttlecocks costs around 6,000 BDT, barely enough for two to three days of practice. Without institutional support, sustained training at a competitive level is virtually impossible.

Bangladesh Badminton Federation Secretary-General Russell Kabir Sumon added, “Our camp was organised on short notice. Despite playing abroad over the past few months, our players achieved remarkable results. Increasing such structured training opportunities will lead to better outcomes. Alongside long-term training, participation in international tournaments is critical.”

Efforts are also underway to recruit a permanent, long-term coach to guide the national team. Sumon stated, “Previously, we were confined within a certain framework. Now we aim to hire a long-term coach who can lead players to international tournaments. Results will follow naturally, as this tournament has already demonstrated.”

The UNEX-Sunrise Series Tournament kicks off today at the Shaheed Tajuddin Indoor Stadium in Paltan. The tournament, featuring a prize pool of USD 5,000, welcomes returning players alongside new participants from Kazakhstan, while some Indian shuttlers have rotated in and out of the lineup.