This VICTOR Oceania Junior Mixed Team Championship is a series of firsts for the young Northern Marianas team. It’s the first time the championship will be held on their home turf, and it’s the first time their team is coming into the competition as third seed.

Kicking off 8 June, the tournament will be played in the Ada gym in Saipan, Northern Marianas. With the hometown support from family, friends, and community, the Northern Marianas team will be at a unique advantage.

The eleven-strong contingent is coming off a successful 2024. Seven members of this year’s VOJC team were selected for the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships in China last year.

These players—Marlon Bautista, Jude Mallari, Dave Odicta, Charmaine Bautista, Genelyn Lansangan, Shaina Malonzo and Lina Tsukagoshi—bring a newfound confidence and maturity to the court after their experience on the world stage.

Young gun Evan Seguritan was also a member of the NMI U15 team that competed in the U15 Pacific Invitational in February. He was undefeated in singles throughout the entire competition.

The team is rounded out by Minul Hoque, Nolan Nate and Nicole Llaga, who will be looking to show their skills in their first international appearance.

Lina plays doubles badminton — Lina Tsukagoshi and Shaina Malonzo were doubles partners at the U17 Pacific Challenge in Geelong 2024.

14 year-old Lina Tsukagoshi is the current National Champion in WS and WD. She is also part of the Tier 2 Oceania Player Development programme and was part of the group that travelled to and trained in Thailand at the end of last year.

We sat down with Lina ahead of the VICTOR Oceania Junior Mixed Team Championships 2025.

A Q&A With One Of Northern Marianas’ Rising Stars

Are you excited for the VICTOR Oceania Junior Championships?

Yes! I’m excited to play in the VICTOR Oceania Junior Championships again this year and I’m looking forward to seeing all the countries again and see how they have improved since the last time the Northern Marianas went against them.

How did you get into the sport?

I started off playing in the school tournament as a 6th grader in middle school. I played really well so my coaches recruited me to play in the NMI U15 team to go to New Zealand. From there I’ve been given many opportunities to go to different places like Australia, New Zealand, China, and Thailand.

What do you love about badminton?

Badminton has given me a place to relieve stress and to take my mind off things. I’ve met a lot of amazing and talented people throughout the sport and it’s truly a blessing.