Ghana’s Golden Shuttlers have made history by winning the Team Cheers Award at the 2026 Badminton World Junior Championships in Cairo, Egypt, becoming the first African country to claim the accolade.
The Ghanaian team emerged winners on Saturday, October 10, beating Germany and the Philippines in the final of the Team Cheers competition after impressing organisers and spectators with an energetic performance that celebrated teamwork, national pride and Ghanaian culture.
The victory is particularly significant for Africa, as Ghana was the only team among the nine African countries participating in the championship to make it into the top three finalists and eventually win the award.
Ghana had been shortlisted among the top three nominees by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) organisers, alongside Germany and the Philippines, following the team’s captivating display during the preliminary stage of the competition on Thursday, October 8.
The final presentations attracted the presence of BWF President, Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, and the President of the Egyptian Badminton Federation, Dr. Hadia Hosny, alongside executives from the world governing body and the Egyptian federation.
The Golden Shuttlers captured attention with their powerful team chant, built around the message, “We Are Here to Dominate.” Delivered in both English and a Ghanaian language, the chant brought a distinctive touch of Ghanaian culture to the international stage.
All seven players took part in the performance, which featured coordinated movements, an acrobatic flip by one player, another proudly holding the Ghana flag, and a synchronised move in which the rest of the team went down together.
The well-rehearsed routine demonstrated the players’ unity, creativity and determination, helping them stand out among the finalists and ultimately secure the award.
The Team Cheers initiative allows participating countries to express their team identities through chants, coordinated movements and creative performances. The activity adds a cultural and entertainment dimension to the championship, energising the atmosphere and giving players an opportunity to connect with supporters and fellow competitors beyond the badminton court.
Following the announcement of the results, each member of Ghana’s Golden Shuttlers received a sculpture from the organisers in recognition of the team’s achievement.
Expressing their delight after the victory, a member of the team said the award was the result of their hard work and commitment during preparations.
“We are really happy for this award. We got this award during the Team Cheers. We really practised hard during the Team Cheers, and we were able to win this award. So we are really happy to get this award,” the team member said.
Ghana finished first, followed by Germany in second place and the Philippines in third, completing a memorable podium finish at the Cairo championship.
The triumph marks a proud moment for Ghanaian badminton and places the Golden Shuttlers in the spotlight for their ability to combine sporting ambition with cultural expression. Their performance has not only showcased the team’s creativity but also highlighted Ghana’s presence among the world’s emerging badminton nations.
With their resounding message, “We Are Here to Dominate,” the Golden Shuttlers have given Ghana and the African badminton community a moment to celebrate on the world stage.
By: Victoria Kwofie