WBi Flagship Doubles Tournament 2026 · The photo story

One day.
One community.

From the first welcome to the final celebrations. A day for casual players, made memorable by the people behind every game.

By Western Badminton ·

Tournament day · 10 October 2026Casual players. Shared passion.Seven chapters in pictures
Men’s Doubles Above 40 and Below 40 winners and runners-up celebrating together with their trophies
A celebration of our players — and of everything that brought them to this moment.

On 10 October 2026, the WBi Flagship Doubles Tournament brought our badminton community together for a day of competition, connection and celebration. At its heart was a simple idea: give casual players a tournament of their own, and a place to belong.

The photographs tell that story best. Before the trophies were lifted, there were welcomes at the desk, words of encouragement, partnerships tested on court and countless contributions behind the scenes. Here is our look back, from beginning to end.

Before the first shuttle

A tournament begins long before its first point. The presentation area was set, the trophies were ready, and the registration team was in place to welcome players. These quieter moments show the care that goes into bringing a community event to life.

The trophy table and WBi presentation backdrop prepared for the tournament
The stage was set for a day to remember.
Volunteers at the registration desk with laptops and supplies
A welcome at the desk, and a team ready to help.

An opening shared with our community

We were delighted to welcome tournament chief guest Clint Proctor, CEO of Badminton Victoria, who opened the event. From a warm greeting by a young Team WBi member to a rally on court, his visit connected the occasion to the people it was all about.

Read our thank-you to Clint →

Clint Proctor addressing the community beside Team WBi and the tournament trophies
Opening the tournament together, with Team WBi beside the trophy table.
A young Team WBi member welcoming Clint with flowers and a handshake
A welcome from the next generation.
Clint reaching up with a shuttle and racket on the badminton court
Sharing the joy of badminton on court.

Two players. One shared focus.

Then came the badminton: quick reactions at the net, overhead returns and the constant movement of two players working as one. The group matches gave teams their chance to compete, with the knockout rounds leading towards the finals.

This was a tournament for casual players — a chance to take the game they love into a competitive setting, challenge themselves and enjoy being part of something bigger than their usual session.

A doubles pair concentrating on the shuttle during a rally
Eyes on the shuttle. Trust in a partner.
One player taking an overhead shot while his teammate covers the front court
Every rally asks something of both players.

You do not have to be a professional to have a day worth celebrating on court.

More than the final score

The moments between points mattered too. A high-five across the net, a smile with a teammate, friends and families sharing the day — these are the things that turn a competition into a community.

Winning deserves celebration. So does showing up, supporting a partner and giving the game your best. That spirit is what WBi wants to encourage: a stronger badminton community where casual players feel welcome to take part.

Players exchanging high-fives across the badminton net
Competitive on court. Connected by the game.
Two teammates sharing a smile courtside
The lighter moments are part of the story.
Members of the WBi community enjoying the tournament together
A day to share beyond the court.

The work behind every match

While the players focused on the shuttle, others were following scores, supporting the courts and keeping the tournament moving. Our officials, volunteers and organising team were a vital part of the day.

This year, Our Badminton supported tournament operations with draw creation, scheduling and the Tournament Centre. Technology and people each had a role: organising the competition, sharing its progress and helping players stay connected to the event.

A courtside official following play with a scoresheet in hand
Attention to the game, one point at a time.
WBi and Our Badminton represented at court level during the tournament
Our Badminton, supporting the tournament experience.

From the final rally to the trophies

The finals brought the competition to its conclusion, and the presentations gave us a chance to recognise the teams who reached the last stage. Congratulations to our champions and runners-up in Men’s Doubles Above 40 and Below 40 — and thank you to every player who helped make their journey a contest.

Men’s Doubles Above 40 winners and runners-up holding their trophies
Men’s Doubles Above 40 · Presentation

Men’s Doubles Above 40

Champions
Bidin Balan & Tino Augustine
Runners-up
Jacob Leong & Kent Lee
Men’s Doubles Below 40 winners and runners-up holding their trophies
Men’s Doubles Below 40 · Presentation

Men’s Doubles Below 40

Champions
Prashan Wijethunga & Anvesh Bhagavathula
Runners-up
Manikanta Rohith Mudhulagar & Goutham Gopikrishna

View final scores & knockout results →

The people who made it WBi

A tournament like this is a shared effort. Thank you to our players, families, supporters, officials, volunteers and young Team WBi members. Thank you, too, to chief guest Clint Proctor and the community partners who stood beside us.

We gratefully acknowledge Diamond Sponsor Yes Yes International Grocers, Gold Sponsor The Agents, Silver Sponsor Ace Motors Truganina, and supporting sponsors Loan Matrix and Omega Blinds and Flooring.

Vaish Joshy, Mitin Aurora, Clint Proctor and Arun K. P. Gopal standing together
From left: Gold Sponsors Vaish Joshy and Mitin Aurora from The Agents; tournament chief guest Clint Proctor, CEO of Badminton Victoria; and WBi President Arun K. P. Gopal.
Team WBi together in their red and navy shirts at the end of the tournament
Team WBi — the people behind the day.

The tournament has finished, but the connections do not end with the last match. We hope these photographs bring back a rally, a laugh or a moment of encouragement — and inspire you to join us again on court.

Thank you for being part of the WBi Flagship Doubles Tournament 2026.
Connect. Compete. Conquer.

Explore the tournament photosFind your next WBi session →Meet our sponsors →
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All news & stories →The 2026 results →