Mitiaro emerged victorious at the 2024 Cook Islands Beach Games air badminton finals, claiming the gold medal.

Thomas Mereana-Ngauru, president of the Cook Islands Badminton Association, said the top four teams going into the finals were Mitiaro facing Atiu for gold and Mangaia taking on Team FBI for bronze medal.

The final between Mitiaro and Atiu was a nail-biter, with Mitiaro narrowly squeezing out a 48-45 win.

In the earlier playoff, Mangaia won in a tight bronze medal match, edging out the spirited Indonesians (FBI) 48-46.

Ten teams registered for the air badminton competition and only four teams moved to the finals.

Mereana-Ngauru said: “The competition this year was really well run and great to see a lot more teams playing, especially players who haven’t played the beach version before.”

He further lauded the skill and commitment displayed by the teams, highlighting the good level of play despite challenging wind conditions.

“The level has been really good considering there being more wind than we would like,” Mereana-Ngauru said.

“But especially for those who haven’t played before on sand it’s been an eye opener.”

Mereana-Ngauru expressed his gratitude to all the teams for providing a thrilling competition, to Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) for organising the event, and to the enthusiastic supporters who came out to cheer.

The Beach Games continue on Friday and Saturday with the Beach Volleyball competition.