Jumar, Urmi make history by reaching Bangladesh Int’l Challenge Final

Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone in international badminton as Al-Amin Jumar and Urmi Akter became the first Bangladeshi pair to reach the mixed doubles final of the Yonex-Sunrise Bangladesh International Challenge.

The landmark moment came at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium, where the home duo delivered a commanding performance in the semi-final, defeating Thailand’s Kunlapat Lothong and Sarisa Janpeng in straight games, 21-11, 21-14.

Earlier in the day, they had secured a hard-fought quarter-final victory over India’s Swastik Matharasan and Keerthi Manchala, 21-16, 19-21, 21-18, guaranteeing a bronze medal in the process.

Speaking after the semi-final, Urmi Akter said, “We said this morning that we want to be champions, and we are moving toward that goal. Now we want to win gold.” Jumar credited their long-standing partnership and rigorous preparation: “Urmi and I have been playing mixed doubles for seven years. Our training, especially for the SA Games, has helped us reach this stage.”

Coach Elina Sultana praised their achievement, calling it a historic milestone for Bangladesh badminton and expressing hope they could clinch gold in the final.

Jumar and Urmi will face Malaysia’s Datu Anif and Clarissa San in Saturday’s final.