SAIPAN, NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS — On June 10, The Northern Marianas junior badminton team did something remarkable.
As they stepped forward, they bowed their heads to receive the first Continental Championship medal in their association’s history.
The VICTOR Oceania Junior Championships 2025 was the tournament of firsts for the small island nation. Not only was it their debut in the Oceania Junior Team event, it also marked the first time the organisation hosted a Continental Championship.
So, to come away with a bronze medal in a high-pressure situation validated tireless hours on and off the court for everyone involved.
“We worked our hearts off,” said Dave Bryan Odicta, NMI team member, “with all the blood, sweat, and tears we left out there. I’m proud of the whole team, and I’m grateful for everything that’s come to us and everyone who showed up for us.”
The Northern Marianas junior team celebrates after a historic win over Tahiti to put them in medal contention.
This historic bronze medal represents far more than a single achievement; it’s the culmination of an incredible transformation that has seen badminton explode across the Northern Marianas.
Just four years ago, only 500 people played the sport on the island.
That changed in 2022, when hosting the Pacific Mini Games acted as a catalyst for the Northern Marianas Badminton Association (NMBA).
“The Pacific Mini Games made us realize that we’re capable of doing something big, even with limited resources,” said Merlie Tolentino, President of NMBA. “It opened our eyes to the possibility of hosting international competitions, which gave our local players a chance to either compete with or watch some of the top badminton players in the world right here on our island. It helped broaden their perspective and inspired many of them to take the sport more seriously.”
Building on the success of the Mini Games, momentum continued in 2023 when the BWF sanctioned two Olympic qualification tournaments on the island.
At the same time, NMBA invested further in grassroots development, expanding its award-winning TakeCare Public School System league. This initiative paved the way for a junior national training squad, which competed in the 2024 BWF World Junior Championships.
As a result, participation has more than tripled, with 1700 athletes recorded for 2025.
The growth is set to continue with four international competitions scheduled this year.
The next phase begins August 5th in the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, featuring back-to-back tournaments: the CROWNE PLAZA Northern Marianas Open on August 5th, followed by the CENTURY INSURANCE Saipan International on August 12th.
But for the team, bringing the Continental Championship to their home island held special significance.
“Hosting the VOJC in June was a big milestone for us at NMBA,” said Tolentino. “For both Victor and Badminton Oceania to trust our organisation to host the tournament for the first time was a huge honor and a clear reflection of how much we’ve grown.”
For the Northern Marianas Badminton Association, the focus remains clear: developing local players, strengthening their training programmes, and giving athletes more chances to compete internationally. Their volunteer-driven approach reflects a deeper mission.
As they continue to raise the level of badminton in the Northern Marianas and help their young people see a future in the sport, it’s their dedication to their community that keeps pushing them towards becoming a badminton powerhouse of the Pacific.
“Everything we do is driven by passion, dedication, and the desire to give our players opportunities they’ve never had before,” Tolentino said. “Even with limited resources, we continue to give our best, growing the sport, building character, and creating a safe and supportive space for everyone involved.
“At the end of the day, it is about making a difference in people’s lives through badminton.”