Cook Islands Badminton celebrated its end of year annual prizegiving awards on Friday night that honoured the dedication and achievements of players in all levels.

Thomas Mereana-Ngauru, president of Cook Islands Badminton Association, said the event was an amazing evening with delicious food and lots of fun, celebrating the many accomplishments throughout this year.

Mereana-Ngauru said although this year has brought its challenges there has been exceptional performances.

In February this year, the Cook Islands U17 team won silver at the 2024 VICTOR Oceania Championships U17 Invitational Team Challenge in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. In October, they also led the best team chant at the World Junior Championships in China.

Cook Islands Badminton 2024 Open Men’s Doubles Champions - Eric Gamez and Nadi Arifin. BADMINTON CIs/24122306

Cook Islands Badminton has been making significant milestones and growing prominence of badminton in the Pacific region.

The association is now preparing two players to qualify for the Junior Olympics in 2026.

“Every year we strive to provide the best possible training opportunities and competition for our athletes’ development,” Mereana-Ngauru said.

“We look forward to 2025 and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.”

Cook Islands Badminton 2024 Open Women’s Doubles Champions - Te Pa Tupa and Lana Aperau-Toa. BADMINTON CIs/24122307

Awards

The 2024 special awards were presented to: Senior player - Kaiyin Mataio, Junior player - Hinaarii Taulu-Amo, Coach of the year - Danny Simpson, Personality - Victor Anselmo, Supporter - Mama Colleen Aperau, Photo - U19 Squad to the World Junior Championships in China.

Open mixed doubles champions - Te Pa Tupa and Danny Simpson, runner-up - Eleanor Wichman and Daniel Akavi; Open men’s doubles champions - Eric Gamez and Nadi Arifin, runner-up - Daniel Akavi and Damus Matakino; Open women's doubles champions - Te Pa Tupa and Lana Aperau-Toa, runner-up - Tereapii Akavi and Tuaine Nicholas-Herman.

Open men’s singles champion - Kaiyin Mataio, runner-up - Eric Gamez; Open Women's Singles Champion - Tereapii Akavi, runner-up - Te Pa Tupa.

Trophies were also presented to the Under 13, 15 and 19 national champions for this year.