KIRCHDORF, Austria – A new generation of Austrian badminton players is making its mark, highlighted by strong performances at recent tournaments in Kirchdorf an der Krems and Weiz, Styria. The events showcased both established talent and the emergence of promising young athletes poised to compete at the highest levels.
Rising Stars Shine at Kirchdorf Ranking Tournament
The first Upper Austrian badminton ranking tournament of the year, held in Kirchdorf, drew 138 players competing for crucial ranking points across 14 competitions and 17 playing fields in three halls. The tournament provided a platform for young players to demonstrate their skills and climb the regional rankings.
Laurenz Pum and Jonas Rosenberger, both representing Kirchdorf, were particularly impressive. The pair reached the final of the B competition, delivering convincing performances throughout the tournament. Their final match was a closely contested affair, with Pum ultimately prevailing after a three-set battle. This victory secured both players qualification for the highest youth league in Upper Austria. Emma Bachl, a previous tournament champion, also qualified for the league after securing fifth place in the A competition at the Kirchdorf event.
National Success in Weiz
Earlier in the year, the 3rd ÖBV-Schüler-Ranglistlistlisten tournament in Weiz, Styria, served as a national-level debut for the Kirchdorf sports union delegation. The tournament, encompassing age groups from U11 to U15, saw Kirchdorf athletes facing heightened competition. Jonas Rosenberger, competing in the U15 B men’s singles, made a significant impact, qualifying for the main draw and nearly upsetting the top-seeded player. Despite losing the deciding set 19-21 after winning the second set 25-23 in overtime, Rosenberger expressed optimism about his performance. I’m incredibly pleased with my first tournament at this level. I never imagined I’d come this close to the top seed. With a bit more luck, I might have achieved even more,
he commented.
Emma Bachl also delivered a strong performance in the U15 B women’s singles, narrowly losing a thrilling third set 24-26 to the eventual tournament champion from Alcov. She ultimately secured a commendable fifth-place finish overall. The close defeat in the preliminary round still stings a bit. I was so close to winning, but the tournament was a fantastic experience, and I felt I found my rhythm well,
Bachl said.
Bachl and Rosenberger also teamed up in mixed doubles, demonstrating a fighting spirit throughout the tournament.
Emerging Talent Across Austria
Beyond Kirchdorf, other young players are also making waves in the Austrian badminton scene. Ryan Grafinger of ASKO Traun and Leona Mayr from Sportunion Ohlsdorf emerged as unexpected tournament winners in the highest junior competitions, exceeding expectations based on their seeding. Monah Kundl (Braunau Sports Union), Emily Sun (ASKO Linz), and Emma Gérard (ASKÖ Finally) also secured podium finishes in the women’s competition, showcasing the depth of talent within the country.
In the men’s competition, Erwin Dinh of Neuhofen Sports Union also impressed, reaching the final before being defeated by his club colleague and defending champion, Adrian Schwarzmann.
Kirchdorf as a Badminton Hub
The success of these tournaments, particularly the event in Kirchdorf, highlights the growing popularity of badminton in Upper Austria. The availability of 17 playing fields at the Bundeschulzentrum Kirchdorf allowed for a large-scale event with around 190 participants. Tournament organizer Dominik Mizelli expressed his satisfaction with the positive response from the participants, noting that a tournament of this size had not been held in Upper Austria before. The event was praised for its professional organization and efficient scheduling, thanks in part to the support of Markus Eckersberger.
The recent successes of Kirchdorf’s young players, combined with the growing number of participants in regional and national tournaments, suggest a bright future for Austrian badminton. The dedication of young athletes like Rosenberger, Bachl, Pum, and Grafinger, alongside the support of clubs and organizers, is driving the sport forward and establishing Austria as a competitive force on the international stage.