KUCHING: Emerging Sarawak pair Genevie Lim and Wafa Shahmina delivered a strong campaign to finish runner-up at the PETRONAS National Under-21 Championships 2026.
This marks the state’s first-ever final appearance at the prestigious event.
The championships, held from January 21 to 25 at the Akademi Badminton Perak, saw the women’s doubles duo demonstrate remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournament, overcoming several tough opponents to secure their place in the final.
Although they were ultimately edged out by a more experienced senior pair, Lee Yu Shan and Wong Zi Yi from Selangor, with scores of 15-7, 15-11, their performance signals the rise of Sarawak’s junior badminton talent.
The impressive result reflects the continued growth and development of Sarawak’s junior badminton programme and highlights the competitive depth within the state’s emerging women’s squad.
Genevie and Wafa opened their campaign in commanding fashion in the round of 64 against Grace Toh Rui Shi and Yang Lee Wen, winning 15-5, 15-8, before advancing to the round of 16, where they dispatched Nur Aina Maisarah Muhamad Hata and Rachel Tan Jin En 15-13, 15-10 to announce their intent.
They maintained their momentum in the quarter-finals with another straight-games victory, overcoming Auni Fatihin Azuan and Zi Qing Wan 15-10, 15-13 to secure a place in the last four.
In the semi-finals, the Sarawak pair produced their most impressive performance yet, upsetting top seeds Lee Joinne and Xin Ying Teh with a composed 15-12, 15-12 win to seal their spot in the final.
The Sarawak Badminton Association (SBA) has extended its congratulations to Genevie and Wafa for their commendable achievement, as well as gratitude to the coaches, parents, and officials who supported the duo’s journey.
Sarawak Badminton Association Honorary Secretary Datuk Dr Wan Khalik expressed pride in the pair’s performance.
“Genevie and Wafa showed confidence and maturity on court, and their performance in Ipoh underscores the strength of our development pathway.
“We are proud of their achievement and remain committed to supporting our young athletes as they take on higher levels of competition,” he told Sarawak Tribune when contacted today (Jan 25).
The milestone final appearance not only marks a historic moment for Sarawak badminton but also sets a promising foundation for the state’s future in national and international competitions.
