New Zealand’s junior representatives Amy Wang (North Harbour) and Lucas Qin (Waikato), accompanied by coach Kenneth Yew, departed today for Japan to compete in the U16 SHONAI Invitational 2025, taking place 28–29 June in Tsuruoka, Yamagata.
The tournament features some of the world’s top U16 players from powerhouse nations including China, Korea, and Denmark. For both players, it’s a valuable opportunity to experience elite international competition and grow as athletes.
Coach Kenneth Yew shared his thoughts ahead of departure:
“I’m looking forward to seeing how our players compete against some of the big badminton nations. The matches here will definitely be a step up in intensity from what they’re used to in New Zealand, so it’ll be great to see how they rise to the challenge. They’ve put in the work, and this is a valuable chance for them to step out of their comfort zones and grow.”
Beyond the on-court competition, Kenneth is also embracing the opportunity to build coaching connections:
“It’s a great chance for me to connect with coaches from other countries and learn more about how they run their junior programs — I always enjoy picking up new ideas and seeing different approaches in action.”
With tight travel and match schedules, the team will have to adapt quickly.
“Compared to Saipan, this trip will be a bit more demanding. The players will need to perform at a high level not long after landing, so getting them prepped to quickly adjust to the travel and settle into the new environment will be key.”
We wish Amy, Lucas, and Kenneth all the best as they proudly represent New Zealand in Japan. 🇳🇿🏸
🗓️ Event Dates: 28–29 June 2025
📍 Tsuruoka, Japan
🔗 More Info: international-badminton-u16.jp