KOCHI: Four titles from a single state badminton championship were brought to Kalamassery Neerungal house. Javed Rahman (13) and Juveria Shehzadia (10), the children of Neerungal Shabeer and Fauzia, won the double crowns. Javed Rahman (under 15 doubles and mixed doubles) and his sister Juveria (10) achieved a rare feat in the under 11 singles and doubles category. It is the first time two members from one family have won the double crown in both the events.

The children are following in the footsteps of their father, Shabeer, who sees badminton as their lifeblood. They left the famous CBSE school and shifted their studies to an aided school to focus on badminton.

Javed joined Shabeer when he went to play badminton when he was four years old. One day the court was empty. Javed took the racket and hit the shuttle. When the game continued at home, Javed enrolled at K B Park Academy, Muttar. After learning his first lessons, he started training at the age of six under Anthony Jacob at the Khel Academy, Kakkanad.

Juveria also started playing at the age of six. The room, the yard, and the road became the playground for both of them. They have been training under Akash JK at Akash JK Badminton Academy, Elamakara, for two years. Both have made it to the district and state teams and are training intensively to become members of the national team. Javed is in the 8th class, and Juveria is in 5th class. Both have participated in many national competitions.

‘The specialty of both of them is sincerity and dedication. Both have the potential to become international stars. Their performance is excellent beyond their age.’

-Akash J K, Trainer

‘I want to play for India. I want to be a world-renowned player. I am a fan of Muhammad Ahsan from Indonesia.’

-Javed Rahman

‘We aspire to play in international matches. P.V. Sindhu is our favourite.’

-Juveria Shehzadi