It was a weekend to remember for Malta’s national badminton team, as Samuel Cassar and Matthew Abela both earned podium finishes at the prestigious I La Perla Del Otún Future Series 2025, held in Pereira, Colombia.

Samuel claimed gold in the Men’s Doubles event, while Matthew secured a bronze medal in Mixed Doubles, adding yet another proud chapter to Malta’s growing presence on the international badminton stage.

Partnering with American player Enrico Keoni Asuncion, Samuel put on a commanding display throughout the Men’s Doubles. In the final, they sealed the title with a convincing 21-13, 21-16 win over Mexico’s Enriquez and Vazquez Perez. Samuel also showed grit in the Men’s Singles, cruising through his opener against Chile’s Ledezma (21-13, 21-14) before narrowly bowing out in the round of 16 after a nail-biting three-game clash with fifth seed Chamakura (17-21, 21-13, 22-20).

Meanwhile, Malta’s top-ranked shuttler Matthew Abela impressed in the Mixed Doubles, where he teamed up with Gabriela Skorkowska to clinch a bronze medal.

Matthew also reached the quarter-finals in Men’s Singles. The all-Maltese pairing of Samuel Cassar and Francesca Clark also scored an early victory in Mixed Doubles, defeating Colombian opponents 21-9, 21-15.

These strong results are a testament to the hard work and progress of Malta’s badminton players on the international stage. With momentum on their side, the team now turns its focus to their next tournament in Guatemala.

Well done, Samuel and Matthew – Malta is proud!