- 09:40
Lebanese badminton soared high in Erbil. At the West Asia Regional Championships, held in the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, Lebanon’s young shuttlers delivered a statement performance: 12 medals in total (2 gold, 4 silver, 6 bronze) across the U15, U17, and U23 categories—plus a team title and a steady harvest in individual events.
Under the leadership of delegation head Nicole Choueiry and coach Tony Choueiry, Lebanon’s rising stars showed they could turn hours of training into real points on the scoreboard.
U17 Lead the Way
The U17 squad was the engine of the week. In the team competition, Lebanon stepped onto the highest podium. Robin Choueiry, Karl Salloum, Maria-Christina Bou Nassar, and Sarah-Maria Al-Helou dominated their category with composed matches, smart management of pressure moments, and strong finishes. Result: gold medal and the Lebanese anthem echoing through the hall in Erbil.
In the individual events, the quartet stayed on track.
• Sarah-Maria Al-Helou came close to the perfect run in women’s singles, falling only in the final and earning a silver that speaks loudly about her potential.
• In men’s doubles, Robin Choueiry / Karl Salloum also reached the final, securing another silver after showcasing great synergy both in defense and at the net.
• The mixed doubles bronze went to the all-Lebanese pair Choueiry / Al-Helou, who navigated rotations, rhythm changes, and tense rallies like seasoned players.
U23: Christophe Abi Younes Takes Charge
In the U23 category, Lebanon remained a major threat. The team of Christophe Abi Younes, Oliver Khoury, Rebecca Abdo, and Zeina Kazma secured a strong second place and a collective silver medal.
Individually, Christophe Abi Younes lived up to his status as squad leader, earning bronze in men’s singles after battling through the region’s toughest opponents. Rebecca Abdo matched him with a bronze in women’s singles.
The highlight for the U23s, however, was the gold medal in men’s doubles, won by Abi Younes / Khoury. Solid in defense, aggressive on the first shuttle, and sharp in key points, the Lebanese duo relied on power and precision to claim the title.
U15: The Youngest Already on the Right Track
Lebanon’s U15 talents also made their presence felt. In the team competition, Seane Bou Abboud, Yasmina Khoury, Jad El Cheikh Hussein, and Charbel Moussallem brought home the silver medal, laying a promising foundation for the future.
In women’s singles, Seane Bou Abboud reached the semifinals to secure bronze. She added another bronze in women’s doubles alongside Yasmina Khoury, with the pair showing composure during long rallies.
The category wrapped up with a bronze in men’s doubles thanks to Jad El Cheikh Hussein / Charbel Moussallem, who impressed with their movement, coordination, and ability to handle pressure.
A Milestone for Lebanese Badminton
Twelve medals, two titles (one team, one men’s doubles), finals in every age group, and a constant presence on the podium—Erbil marks one of the strongest collective achievements in recent Lebanese badminton history.
Beyond the numbers, the results cement Lebanon as a rising force in West Asia, with real depth across categories: U15 learning fast, U17 capable of dominating the region, and U23 bridging the gap to the senior level.
A performance that will push Lebanon’s shuttlers to wear the Cedars jersey even more proudly… and keep Lebanese badminton flying high.
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