Badminton Club Zadar proudly participated in the Li‑Ning Zagreb Youth Open 2026, marking the largest international tournament in our club’s history and only our second international appearance ever. The event took place from September 18th to 20th in Zagreb, organized by Badminton Club Zagreb Maksimir. In parallel, the hall also hosted the Li‑Ning U17 Open, part of the prestigious Badminton Europe Circuit, creating an atmosphere full of excitement, discipline, and top‑level youth badminton.
A Truly International Stage
This year’s Zagreb Youth Open brought together 266 players from 20 countries, making it one of the most diverse youth badminton events in the region. The largest delegations included:
- Croatia – 43
- Austria – 34
- Türkiye – 31
- Hungary – 31
From large national teams with dozens of athletes to small clubs represented by just one player, the tournament showcased the full spectrum of European youth badminton.
Our Representative: Lea Šimurina
Badminton Club Zadar was represented by Lea Šimurina, who competed in:
- U13 Singles
- U13 Doubles with partner Katja Pavlić from BK Zagreb Maksimir
For Lea, this was a chance to face opponents from across Europe, each bringing different playing styles, tactical approaches, and levels of experience. Although we did not secure wins this time, the matches provided invaluable lessons and a clear understanding of what can be achieved through dedication, discipline, and focused training.
A Partnership Built With Support
A special acknowledgment goes to Katja Pavlić, Lea’s doubles partner. Despite coming from different cities and training in different environments, the girls showed commitment to play at such a stage. We had some positives and some lessons to be learned. it has given us things to think through and areas to work on in upcoming local tournaments.
We also extend sincere thanks to Coach Silvio Jurčić (BK Zagreb Maksimir), whose guidance and training support helped develop this partnership. His effort in preparing the girls — especially through shared training sessions — played an important role in their growth and confidence on court.
These experiences shape young athletes, helping them build confidence, resilience, and long‑term ambition.
Up Next: Dalmatian League in Zadar
The journey continues with the upcoming Dalmatian League in Zadar, on October 10th where Lea and our other young players will apply what they learned and continue growing as competitors.
Proud of Our Path Forward
Participating in the Li‑Ning Zagreb Youth Open 2026 is a milestone for Badminton Club Zadar. This is just the beginning — and every tournament, every match, and every experience helps us rise to the next level.
