Yonex-Sunrise Bangladesh Int'l Challenge 2025: Jumar-Urmi settle for silver after the historic run

Sports Reporter :

Bangladesh badminton signed off the Yonex-Sunrise Bangladesh International Challenge 2025 on a proud note as Al-Amin Jumar and Urmi Akter clinched the silver medal in the mixed doubles, capping a trailblazing campaign that rewrote the record books.
The international tournament was held at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium adjoining the Historic Paltan Ground in Dhaka.
Having already made history by becoming the first Bangladeshi pair to reach the final of an international challenge event, Jumar and Urmi fell at the last hurdle on Saturday, 20 December, losing the final to a Malaysian pair in straight games.
Despite a spirited fight in the opening game, the home favourites were beaten 27-25, 21-14, finishing runners-up.
The final was played without any formal ceremony due to State Mourning Day over the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent leader of Bangladesh’s 2024 student-led uprising. Players, coaches and officials observed the occasion by wearing black armbands, keeping celebrations muted. Even so, the significance of Bangladesh’s achievement was not lost. For reaching the final, Jumar and Urmi received prize money, with Bangladesh Badminton Federation president Habib Ullah Don awarding USD 500 each, totalling USD 1,000, and pledging improved facilities and foreign coaching support for the nation’s shuttlers.
Reflecting on the match, Al-Amin Jumar said, “Reaching the final of an international event for the first time is a huge joy, though missing out on the title hurts a little. Our opponents are far ahead in training and facilities. I played singles, doubles and mixed doubles without feeling fatigue and enjoyed every moment.” He added, “We could not win this time, but I believe gold will come for Bangladesh in the future.”
Urmi Akter echoed the sentiment, crediting their preparation, “The three-month training programme ahead of the SA Games helped us reach the final.”
Regarding the final clash, she said, “There is a clear gap between us and teams with big sponsors and long-term training support. If we had similar facilities, we could go much further. After all, they are human, and so are we.”
Four other finals were also decided on the day. India’s Meiraba Maisnam won the men’s singles, while Isika Jaiswal of the USA claimed the women’s singles title. India triumphed in men’s doubles, and Thailand lifted the women’s doubles crown.
Though gold slipped through their fingers, the fans believe that Jumar and Urmi’s silver shines brightly.