Cook Islands badminton team has arrived in Saipan, Northern Marianas, for the VICTOR Oceania Junior Championships 2025 to be held from June 8 to 15.

This prestigious event will bring together the region’s most promising young badminton players for a week of elite competition and cultural exchange.

Hosted by Badminton Oceania in partnership with the Northern Marianas Badminton Association, and proudly sponsored by VICTOR, the Championships will welcome over 60 junior athletes from seven countries and territories, including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Guam, and the Cook Islands.

According to Badminton Oceania, the Cook Islands team is preparing with quiet confidence and a strong sense of purpose.

Representing one of the region’s smaller nations, the team brings both experience and determination to compete at the highest level.

Cook Islands’ participation in the 2024 BWF World Junior Championships has sharpened their tactical skills and deepened their understanding of the game, said Badminton Oceania.

Five of the six team members – Kaiyin Mataio, Edward Patai, Makea Pauka, Lana Toa and Te Pa O Te Rangi Tupa – were part of that squad. Arihoia Sprague-Marsters, while not on that team, played a key role in the 2024 VICTOR Oceania Women’s Team Championships.

In an interview with Badminton Oceania, Te Pa O Te Rangi Tupa said that she is looking forward to a lot of tough matches “which is an opportunity for my team and me to learn and adapt to it”.

“Back at home, we are the top national players for the Cook Islands, and we do not get as many opportunities and support as those living overseas. However, I’m very excited to see what my team can bring to the table,” Tupa said.

The 16-year-old started playing at the age of seven, inspired by her brother who introduced her to the sport.

“I like badminton because it’s fast, exciting, and fun. The speed of the game keeps me engaged, and the quick movements make it a great workout. Playing with others builds teamwork and improves reflexes. The feeling of hitting a perfect shot is really satisfying. Whether in singles or doubles, it challenges my mind and body. Badminton is easy to play but takes skill to master, making every game exciting.”

Her biggest highlight has been winning silver in the team event category at the Victor Oceania Championships in Geelong in 2024.

Tupa has set a target of winning more medals at the upcoming championship.

“I really like doubles because it allows for teamwork where my partner and I cover the court together efficiently. I also like the fast pace that demands speed and strategy making each rally fun and dynamic,” she said.

“My goal is to attend as many tournaments to earn more points so that I can qualify for the upcoming youth Olympics next year 2026!”

The VICTOR Oceania Junior Championships 2025 begins with the Oceania Junior Mixed Team Championships (June 8–10), where national teams will compete in a round-robin format under a brand-new scoring system – making this one of the first junior tournaments globally to trial the proposed format.

From June 12–15, the Individual Championships will take centre stage, featuring singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events in the Under-19 age group.