World Juniors: ‘Ukrainian Badminton is Still Alive’

After winning the women’s singles title at the European Junior Championships in August, Raiia Almalalha went home to Ukraine to be with her family. It’s not often that she gets to be with them, for she has been training in the Czech Republic with their national team for the last four years.

“I think almost nobody understands what war means in real life and you can understand what war means only when you are there,” said Almalalha, who started her campaign at the VICTOR BWF World Junior Championships 2026 with a quick first round win over Vasilia Demetriou of Cyprus.

“After the European Championships I was at home for two weeks and I know what it means, like when you sleep you hear bombs and drones. So it’s really difficult and for sure it’s a really big opportunity for me to be here for show to everybody that Ukrainian badminton is still alive and we can play more and more.”

The 18-year-old in her first World Junior Championships and seeded No.11.

“For sure I was a bit nervous because like my first match at the World Junior Championships and it’s a different hall, different emotions, but I’m really happy that I have the opportunity to be here and represent my country.

“I managed to win. It’s a big achievement for me, and I’m ready for the next match.

“It’s something special because I’ve never played in such a big stadium like this, so it’s a different feeling. I really appreciate being here.

For Almalalha, the European Juniors was more than just a title; it was about showing resilience – for herself and her people.

“I still don’t understand what happened with me because it’s a really big achievement for Ukraine,” the 18-year-old said. “It’s the second time Ukraine has won a medal at the European Junior Championships. So yes, it’s very important for me, for my country and I’m so happy that I can represent Ukraine and show our power, how strong we are because everybody knows we have a difficult situation in our country.

“So that’s why I’m really happy. It’s impossible to practice in Ukraine now, especially in my native city. So that’s why I’m here and I will try to show to everybody that we are strong and we will fight to the end.”