Serbian team has won six gold, three silver and eleven bronze medals on the first Serbian U17 International and fourth Serbian Youth International Novi Sad 2016 from 16-19 June 2016. 

Both tournaments have gathered over 240 competitors from 17 countries representing European and Asian continents. Reka Madarasz and Sergej Lukic claim the titles of most successful competitors

The City of Novi Sad and Republic of Serbia hosted spectacular international tournaments organized by Badminton Association of Serbia, under the patronage of Badminton Europe Confederation, Serbian Ministry of Youth and Sport, City of Novi Sad, Sport and Youth of Vojvodina, Tourist organization of Serbia and Novi Sad and City Museum. Two record breaking events lasted from June 16 to 19, 2016, gathered more than 240 competitors from 17 countries representing European and Asian continents and surpassed all expectations. Serbian U17 International as a part of BEC Circuit gathered 75 competitors from 14 countries which competed in all five categories with 128 entries. Serbian Youth International had 167 players with almost 270 entries in U15, U13, U11 and U9 singles and doubles.

Perfect organization, high quality matches full of suspense, very happy and satisfied participants and beautiful ambient inside Sports Center ‘’Slana Bara’’ has been crowned with brilliant performances of young and very promising European and Asian athletes. In very tough competitions among U17 and U15, U13, U11 and U9 (Youth) age groups Serbia won total of 20 medals – six gold, three silver and eleven bronze medals and has been awarded with epithet of the most successful national team while competing in both events which found its place in the Official BEC Calendar for the year 2016. The most successful U17 competitor was Reka Madarazs from Hungary with gold medals in WS and WD (with Inga Sadaic from Croatia). The best player in Serbia Youth International was Sergej Lukic from Serbia with U15 gold medals in MS and MD (with Matija Cupara also from Serbia). Reka and Sergej have been officially announced and awarded by the organizer for their fantastic performances as well as the youngest participant Livia Klacanska from Slovakia. Total of 11 countries had their representatives among the medal winners.

Opening Ceremony of Serbian U17 & Youth International Novi Sad 2016 was attended by numerous representatives of media, national sports institutions, sponsors, friends and members of Badminton Association of Serbia. More than 240 competitors carrying features of Russia, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Austria, Cyprus, Georgia, Hungary, Moldova, Greece, Croatia, Pakistan, Bulgaria, FYR Macedonia, Romania and Serbia marched under the vaults of ‘’Slana Bara’’ and were welcomed with stentorian applause. After the opening speech and warm welcome of Radomir Jovovic, President of the Executive Board of Badminton Association of Serbia, events were officially opened by Mirko Kantar, Head of Sport Development Programs Department within Ministry of Youth and Sports. He also congratulated the organizers stressing the fact that Ministry of Youth and Sports recognizes and provides full support to Badminton Association of Serbia which is continuously delivering exceptional results in competitive and organizational areas.   

During four days of competition, all participants, from youngest to oldest, performed their best and represented this Olympic sport in the best possible manner. Hundreds of interesting matches, turnovers, extraordinary moves and tricks were seen in both competitions. In Serbian U17 International European U17 bronze medalist Reka Madarasz from Hungary dominated in women’s singles. Very talented Serbian young player Marija Sudimac reached silver medal. Boys U17 tournament was also very interesting. Around 30 % of matches were played in three sets. Bulgarian Ilyan Stoynov defeated Syed Daanyaal Ali from Pakistan in the finals. Reka Madarasz and Inga Sadaic from Croatia won women’s doubles against Csonkova and Remenova from Slovakia. Slovenians Lesnicar and Loznaric became champions in men’s doubles. They claimed victory against Antonska and Horak from Slovakia. Moldova’s Cunev and Gynga have beaten Stoynov and Popovska in three sets for the title in mixed doubles.

Serbian U17 International Novi Sad 2016 list of medal winners:

Serbian Youth International Novi Sad 2016 list of medal winners:

‘’I am very satisfied with my performances on this hard and intense international tournaments held in Novi Sad. I am also very honored with the title of the most successful young player. This year the competitive level of all competitors was very high. European medal winners were on the courts. I played two tournaments, U17 and Youth, and I have won three medals – two gold and one bronze. Since I am still just 13 I have to work very hard in order to reach higher levels of performance in the future. I’ll will try to do my best. Ambient inside the sports hall was fantastic during the competition. It was so nice to see and host hundreds of players and coaches from 17 countries here in Serbia. In my opinion, this is one of the best European tournaments for young players.’’, Sergej Lukic stated after the Medal Ceremony. 

Organization of those significant international competitions was also supported by Olympic Committee of Serbia, Sport Association of Serbia, University Sports Federation of Serbia, Serbian Institute of Sport and Sports Medicine, Anti-Doping Agency of Serbia, Yonex, Tin Sped Company, Arriva Transport Company, Zlatiborac, Nasa Koka Plus and Jazak Water.

More information about Serbian U17 & Youth International can be found on the official FB page and website:

Article and photos by Badminton Association of Serbia