The 2025 Junior National Badminton Championships were held at the Santa Luċija Hall from 7th to 9th November, bringing together Malta’s top young talent across multiple age categories. Competitions were held for athletes under 11, under 13, under 15, under 17 and under 19 years, with both individual singles and doubles events contested over the three days.
The boys’ under 11 singles final was a thrilling encounter decided over three games. James Galea Boffa emerged victorious against Ben Ciantar, winning 29‑30, 21‑18, 30‑29. In the girls’ under 15 category, Monique Monika Vella claimed the title after a three-game win over Julia Galea, finishing 16‑21, 21‑19, 21‑9. The girls’ under 19 singles crown went to Martina Clark, who defeated Jodie Ann Gafa’ Craus in the final.
Other notable results across the championships included:
Boys Singles Under 11: James Galea Boffa, Ben Ciantar, Matias Desira, Jack Galea
Girls Singles Under 11: Jade Bartoli, Laura Falzon Richard, Emily Grima Meli
Boys Singles Under 13: Dayle Bugelli, Matias Casaru, Luca Saliba, Edward Calleja
Boys Singles Under 15: Dayle Bugelli, Dejan Pirrone, Raffael Bonnici, Ben Galea
Girls Singles Under 15: Monique Monika Vella, Julia Galea, Emma Bartoli, Andrea Saliba
Boys Singles Under 17: Jeremy Mark Gatt, Juan Casaru, Gianluca Ellul, Thomas Saliba
Girls Singles Under 17: Julia Galea, Emma Bartoli, Jodie Ann Gafa’ Craus, Suzie May Gafa’ Craus
Boys Singles Under 19: Jeremy Mark Gatt, Juan Casaru, Julian Zammit, Thomas Saliba
Girls Singles Under 19: Martina Clark, Jodie Ann Gafa’ Craus, Suzie May Gafa’ Craus, Emyka Ellul
The doubles events showcased strong teamwork and competitive spirit. Highlights included Dayle Bugelli and Julia Galea winning the mixed doubles under 15, while Jeremy Mark Gatt and Julia Galea secured the mixed doubles under 17 title. The under 19 mixed doubles title went to Jeremy Mark Gatt and Martina Clark, demonstrating their consistency across categories.
The championships provided a valuable platform for Malta’s junior badminton athletes to gain competitive experience, develop their skills, and prepare for future international competitions. With high-level performances across all age groups, the event reinforced the strength and depth of youth badminton in Malta.
