From March 29 to April 1, 2026, the modern facilities of the Hungarian Cultural and Educational Centre in Osijek hosted the “Badminton Training Camp Osijek 2026”, an event designed for players up to 16 years of age. The camp brought together 30 young athletes from six Croatian clubs, and for the first time, Badminton Zadar took part — proudly represented by two young players, Mihaela Dokoza and Lea Šimurina, under the guidance of coach Arundeep Singh.
This was an important milestone for our club: our first participation in a national‑level camp of this format, where young athletes train alongside peers from different regions, learn from top‑level coaches, and gain insight into the training standards applied within the Croatian Badminton Association.
Expert Coaching and Demonstrations by Croatian Champions
The camp program was led by Neven Rihtar, Development Coach and National Team Selector for the Croatian Badminton Association’s youth categories. Supporting him were two distinguished Croatian national team players and champions:
- Jelena Buchberger, six‑time consecutive Croatian singles champion
- Barbara Janičić, current Croatian champion in mixed doubles
Through demonstrations, technical explanations, and sparring sessions with the young athletes, Buchberger and Janičić showcased what it takes to reach top sporting performance, leaving a strong impression on all participants.
Additional coaching support was provided by:
- Silvio Jurčić – BK Zagreb Maksimir
- Mladen Loina – “Junior Klub” Donji Miholjac
- Boris Winkler – Head of Youth Development, BK Osijek
- Arundeep Singh – BK Zadar
Intensive Program: 18 Hours of Training in Three Days
Across the three‑day camp, players completed 18 hours of training, divided into five demanding sessions. The focus was on:
- agility and speed
- development of motor skills
- badminton‑specific movement
- shot precision
- technical and tactical elements
- sparring situations
Mihaela and Lea approached every session with dedication, focus, and a strong desire to learn. Training with players from other clubs, adapting to different playing styles, and facing new challenges provided a powerful boost to their development.
“This was an extremely valuable experience for our young players. Working in this environment, alongside national‑level coaches and children from across Croatia, gives them additional motivation and clearly shows how much they can progress through consistent training.” — Coach Arundeep Singh
Thank You to the Organizers
We extend our sincere thanks to the Croatian Badminton Association, BK Osijek, and the entire coaching team for the excellent organization, professional approach, and warm atmosphere. We look forward to future camps and new opportunities for the development of our young athletes.
See the photo gallery below.
