Building on the momentum of a successful debut, the Jamaica Badminton Academy is announcing the second staging of the Shuttle Showdown, which will take place across two weekends, September 20–21 and September 27–28, 2025, at the YMCA on Hope Road.

Created as a platform to unearth and elevate local talent, the Shuttle Showdown has quickly become a cornerstone in the development of Jamaican badminton.

According to Matthew Lee, one of the tournament’s founding organisers and a representative of the Jamaica Badminton Academy, “Shuttle Showdown was inspired by the need to create a platform that allows local players to showcase their talent. As a former national badminton player, I recognised a clear need for training as well as local competitions that will allow players to gain the experience they need to improve their skills, increase their rankings, and be better equipped to handle regional and international competitions.”

Since its first staging, the tournament has grown in both scale and reputation, drawing a broader range of participants and increasing interest from schools, universities, and badminton clubs. “We’re now attracting wider engagement and plan to build on that by expanding our event categories and upgrading the overall experience for athletes and fans alike,” said Lee.

This year’s tournament will include the traditional Beginners, Juniors (U9 to U17), and Divisions A to D, while introducing two exciting additions—a Masters category for players aged 40 and over, and a Parent and Child Doubles division, a move aimed at promoting family participation in the sport. For Parent and Child Doubles, the child must be under the age of 18.

Also debuting in 2025 is a Player and Coach Doubles category, restricted to participants from Divisions C or D—a creative addition designed to foster mentorship and collaborative play between experienced coaches and developing players.

The first weekend of competition—September 20–21—will feature Beginners, B and D Divisions, Parent and Child Doubles, Masters, and Player and Coach Doubles. The second weekend—September 27–28—will host the Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 categories, along with Divisions C and A.

Events across both weekends will include Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.

“We believe badminton is a sport for everyone,” said Lee. “Our target audience includes competitive athletes, school groups, families, and casual sports enthusiasts. From young children to seasoned veterans, there’s a place for everyone at Shuttle Showdown.”

The tournament will also feature dedicated athlete areas for warm-up, hydration, and recovery, as part of a broader effort to improve player welfare during the competition. For fans and patrons, the Academy is rolling out a variety of interactive features, including a selfie booth area, giveaways, live DJ music, and family-friendly activities to ensure an engaging experience for all ages.

Organisers are also taking a major step forward in accessibility and coverage, introducing livestream broadcasts and match analysis via the Academy’s YouTube channel. “We’re making it easier for everyone to stay connected with the tournament,” Lee explained. “There will be real-time commentary, post-match interviews, and continuous updates on our social media platforms. Select matches will also receive traditional media coverage, including interviews on radio and television.”

Following a turnout of over 500 participants at the inaugural event, this year’s edition is expected to surpass that figure. Players will come from all 14 parishes, representing a wide cross-section of the country’s badminton talent. Caribbean nationals are also welcome to enter, reinforcing the tournament’s growing regional appeal. “We’ve received incredible support from the local badminton community, from clubs and schools to individual enthusiasts. The excitement is growing, and we’re preparing for a truly national showcase,” said Lee.

Returning fans can also look forward to the presence of past Shuttle Showdown champions and rising talents from the Jamaica Badminton Academy. Among those expected to return are several national players and winners from the first staging in 2024, including Kenneth Anglin, Joel Angus, Katherine Wynter, Rihanna Rust, Anthony McNee,

Amir McBean, Keyandre McBean, Alexandra Beckford, Breanna Bisnott, Michail Williams, and Kemar Valentine. Their return promises a slate of thrilling rematches and high-calibre performances.

With both new and returning sponsors supporting the 2025 event, the Academy continues to build strong partnerships that ensure the tournament’s sustainability and impact. Zalco Distributors, Haven Beauty House, and Lifespan are among the sponsors returning this year. “We’re grateful for the sponsors who continue to believe in the potential of this sport and the role this event plays in its growth,” said Lee.

Looking ahead, Lee expressed confidence that the Shuttle Showdown will cement its place on Jamaica’s annual sporting calendar and continue to grow, attracting regional and international interest. “We expect the tournament to become a staple event in Jamaica, drawing even more participants in the years ahead. We’re also committed to expanding our outreach efforts—encouraging more young people to take up the sport and supporting them on a pathway to success, both athletically and academically.”

In closing, Lee offered a message to the Jamaican public and aspiring athletes. “Badminton is a sport for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to stay active or a new challenge to grow personally and professionally, badminton offers both,” he said. “With Shuttle Showdown, we hope to inspire individuals of all ages to discover the benefits of the sport—not just for fitness, but as a gateway to scholarship opportunities and personal development.”

The Jamaica Badminton Academy will release additional tournament details and the confirmed list of participating athletes in the coming weeks. Fans and supporters are encouraged to follow the Academy on social media and subscribe to its YouTube channel for live coverage and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.