Five distinguished educators from across the nation were recognized with the esteemed Badminton World Federation (BWF) Shuttle Time Teachers Certificate on Saturday, December 7, 2026, at Vodafone Arena, an event organized by Badminton Fiji (BF).
The awardees included Kathrine Powell and Abigail Kamea from Saint Joseph Secondary School, Chrishant Gounder of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School, Rajneel Chand from Jeremiah Raibevu College, and Josephine Caine, a development officer at Badminton Fiji. This recognition highlights the BWF’s continuous commitment to promoting badminton in educational institutions.
The presentation was a significant moment during the successful Badminton Fiji Secondary School tournament, which took place at Yat Sen School Hall from December 5 to 7. The certification workshop, held over the three-day event, aimed to enhance the accessibility and popularity of badminton among young people while fostering vital skills such as coordination, teamwork, and discipline.
By the conclusion of the workshop, the teachers were empowered with the necessary skills and resources to deliver safe and inclusive badminton lessons in their respective schools. The BWF Shuttle Time programme, a global initiative, seeks to introduce children to badminton in a fun and engaging manner.
During the awards ceremony, Badminton Fiji emphasized the pivotal role that teachers play in shaping the future of badminton in the region. “These five educators have showcased remarkable dedication through their new skills and resources; we are confident they will inspire countless students to embrace badminton,” said a representative from BF. The awards were presented by the legendary former Flying Fijians loose forward Sisa Koyamaibole, who commended the educators for their commitment to grassroots development of the sport.
Badminton Fiji is extending an invitation to more schools and teachers to participate in this enriching programme, highlighting the importance of grassroots efforts in nurturing the sport’s future. This recognition of educators marks a promising step towards cultivating a new generation of badminton enthusiasts.

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