Jumar and Urmi Rewrite Bangladesh Badminton History
Bangladeshi badminton achieved a landmark moment when the country’s first-ever pair, Al Amin Jumar and Urmi Akter, won a silver medal at the Yonex Sunrise Bangladesh International Challenge, becoming the first Bangladeshi pair to reach a final in the tournament’s history.
Playing in the mixed doubles category in Dhaka, their success is a breakthrough moment for badminton in Bangladesh — and has been built on patience, partnership, and persistence.
A Historic Run to the Final
Jumar and Urmi’s path to the final was amazing. But it was in the semifinals that they let it all hang out, thrashing Thailand’s Kunlapat Lothong and Sarisa Janpeng in straight sets, 21–11, 21–14. They had previously escaped a tense three-set quarterfinal with India’s Swastik Matharasan and Keerthi Manchala, who they beat 21–16, 19–21, 21–18 in what was as much a trial of nerves as skill.
“The calm that both of them showed in all the games of the tournament is a product of years spent together,” he added. “I have been playing mixed doubles alongside Urmi for seven years,” said Jumar. “We knew the court and our preparation before the SA Games were optimal.”
A Final Played in Silence, Not in Vain
The final, which was played as a non-chargeable match at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium, was played in a calm atmosphere. There was no formal ceremony because it was a State Mourning Day to mourn the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a significant member of Bangladesh’s 2024 student uprising. Players and officials had also worn black armbands; the celebrations were low-key.
But the moment was unmistakable.
Despite putting up a brave fight against Malaysia’s Datu Anif and Clarissa San, the Pakistani pair of Jumar and Urmi lost their contest. After falling in the first set (a dramatic one they’d lost, 27–25) and bowing out of the second as well (21–14), they walked away with silver — but also history.
Recognition and Reflection
The team coach, Alina Sultana, said the pair’s success was historic. However, Bangladesh Badminton Federation president Habib Ullah Don handed over USD 1,000 to the pair as a prize and assured better facilities and foreign coaches.
Speaking of the triumph, Jumar stated, “Reaching finals of an international event for the first time was a boundless joy, but missing out on the title pinched a little. We’re so far behind our opponents as far as training and facilities go — but I loved every second of it.”
Urmi echoed that optimism. There was a massive difference with the three-month training programme leading up to the SA Games. With improved infrastructure and sustained support, we could go a long way further.”
Charge of Affraying Death: Part 1, Bangladeshi Badminton in the Balance
While India and Thailand topped other categories — men’s singles and doubles going to India, women’s singles triumph for USA and the men’s doubles gold won by Thailand in different age-groups —it was the Bangladesh duo that stole the show.
Jumar and Urmi’s silver medal stands for more than a spot on the podium. But it’s a sign of what might be possible — and a promise of what could come next for Bangladeshi badminton.