In the framework of our XXIX YONEX Pan Am Junior Championships 2026, João Pessoa, Brazil, also hosted the BPAC Junior Academy 2026, bringing together 24 young athletes and 10 coaches from 10 countries for a week of training, learning, and integration.
More than a training camp, the Junior Academy reflects BPAC’s commitment to investing in the generations that will shape the future of badminton across the Americas.
Learning from Pan American Coaches
The program was led by Olympian Paula Cao Hok (USA) and Camila Macaya (Chile) as Head Coaches. Throughout the Academy, participants took part in physical, technical, and tactical training sessions, while coaches also exchanged knowledge and experiences to strengthen athlete development across the region.
Alongside training, the Academy included activities designed to encourage friendship, teamwork, and cultural exchange among participants from across the continent.
From Junior Academy to the World Stage
One of the most inspiring examples of the program’s potential is Victor Lai. The Canadian participated in the Junior Academy in 2015, when he was still taking his first steps on the international stage.
Ten years later, Lai made history by becoming the first Canadian to win a medal at the BWF World Championships in 2025. In 2026, he continued his rise by breaking into the BWF World Ranking Top 10, becoming one of the leading players in Pan American badminton.
His journey is a powerful reminder to the young athletes in João Pessoa of how far those first opportunities can lead.
The program was made possible with the valuable support of the Confederação Brasileira de Badminton (CBBd) and the hospitality of the Cabo Branco Atlântico Hotel, which contributed to the successful experience in João Pessoa.
As Badminton Pan Am celebrates 50 years of history, the BPAC Junior Academy represents a commitment to what comes next: creating opportunities for young athletes to learn, grow, and dream big.
