A single point made all the difference as Team Power captured the championship title in a heart-stopping finale at the recently concluded FBL Infinity Team Relay Tournament 2026, organized by the Filipino Badminton League (FBL) Bahrain.
In a nail-biting showdown that kept spectators on edge, the championship match delivered intense rallies and strategic exchanges, with both teams battling fiercely until the final shuttlecock dropped. Team Power ultimately edged out their opponent by just one point — a razor-thin margin that underscored the high level of competition and determination displayed throughout the tournament. The crowd erupted in applause as the final score was announced, marking one of the most thrilling finishes of the season.
Tournament Overview
The Filipino Badminton League (FBL) Bahrain successfully held its much-anticipated tournament on February 13, 2026, at the Busaiteen Sports Club in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The whole-day sporting event, which ran from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, brought together badminton enthusiasts from across the Filipino community for a day filled with high-level competition, camaraderie, and sportsmanship during the Infinity Relay Team event.
Winners and Rankings
Claiming the 1st Runner-up title was Team Time, followed by Team Soul as 2nd Runner-up. Team Mind secured 3rd Runner-up, while Team Space and Team Realit placed 4th and 5th Runner-up, respectively.
Leading the championship squad was Osiah Babad, Team Captain and tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP), whose leadership and consistent performance anchored Team Power’s victorious campaign.
Opening Ceremonies and Tributes
The program formally began with the arrival of attendees at 7:00 AM, followed by an opening prayer led by Ms. Gaity Piencenaves, FBL Representative. Participants then paid tribute to both their home and host countries with the singing of the Bahrain and Philippine National Anthems.
6th Anniversary Celebration
FBL President Mr. Christian Martizano delivered the welcome address, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the players, sponsors, and supporters for their unwavering commitment to promoting sportsmanship and unity within the Filipino community in Bahrain. He highlighted that this year’s tournament holds special significance as it marks the 6th anniversary of the Filipino Badminton League (FBL) Bahrain.
Mr. Martizano reflected on the league’s journey over the past six years — from its humble beginnings to becoming a vibrant and organized sporting community that continues to grow in membership and influence. He emphasized that FBL is more than just a badminton league; it is a platform that fosters friendship, discipline, leadership, and camaraderie among Filipinos in the Kingdom. He credited the league’s success to the collective effort of volunteers, officers, sponsors, and dedicated players, reaffirming its mission to continue providing inclusive and meaningful sporting events that inspire both seasoned athletes and new players alike.
Special Message from the Philippine Embassy
A special message was delivered by Vice Consul Charlie Florian Prenicolas, who commended the Filipino community for organizing initiatives that foster fellowship and promote healthy lifestyles among overseas Filipinos in Bahrain. He emphasized that events such as the FBL Infinity Team Relay Tournament go beyond competition, serving as meaningful platforms that strengthen unity, camaraderie, and mutual support within the community.
Vice Consul Prenicolas highlighted the importance of sports in maintaining not only physical well-being but also mental and emotional resilience, especially for overseas workers living away from their families. He noted that activities like badminton tournaments create a positive environment where Filipinos can connect, relieve stress, and celebrate shared values and culture.
He also expressed the Philippine Embassy’s continued support for community-led programs that encourage discipline, teamwork, and leadership. He encouraged the community to take advantage of the Embassy’s Lingkod Kabayan Program, held every first Friday of the month, which provides essential services and assistance, including consular services, labor-related concerns, welfare assistance, and a platform for dialogue.
Chanting Competition Highlights
The ceremony continued with a lively chanting competition that energized both teams and spectators. Team Mind emerged victorious, captivating the crowd with their energy, creativity, and synchronized performance. Their spirited cheer set a lively tone for the tournament, boosting team morale and reflecting the enthusiasm and unity of the participating teams.
Tournament Mechanics and Oath of Sportsmanship
The Technical Committee, led by Technical Director Rustan Villanueva, presented the tournament mechanics and prospectus to ensure smooth and fair play throughout the matches. Highlighting the values of integrity and respect in sports, Mr. Geramyr Piencenaves, Male Achiever for 2025 (Advanced), led the Oath of Sportsmanship. A group photo captured the spirit of unity and excitement before the official matches commenced.
Team Power’s Winning Strategy
Dr. Kristin Villanueva, a dentist at KIMS Medical Center in Muharraq, expressed her pride in the team’s achievement:
“I’m so proud of our team. We worked hard, supported each other, and stayed focused throughout the tournament. Josiah’s smart and well-planned strategy was a big factor in our victory.”
Her remarks highlighted the teamwork, dedication, and strategic planning that contributed to Team Power’s thrilling championship win.
Team Power Members
The members of Team Power were:
- Osiah Babad – Team Captain, Most Valuable Player
- Shayan Akbar
- Kenneth Lising
- Wilfred Rex Calub
- Dean Demosen
- Loi Distura
- AJ Valeidath
- Nitin Naveenchand
- Glenn Protacio
- Katrina Lim
- Belen Osia
- Dr. Kristin Villanueva
Each member played a vital role in the team’s journey to the championship, contributing skill, teamwork, and determination throughout the tournament.
Inspiring Players
Among the inspiring participants was Belen Osia, 52, a widow from Sto. Tomas, Batangas, and a Management Consultant. She shared that her involvement in badminton began through the encouragement of her children, Allysa, 23, and Dave, 21, both Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). For Osia, badminton has become more than a sport — it serves as a source of wellness, resilience, and connection with her children.
Another heartwarming story came from Nate Cea, 36, from Valenzuela City, currently a Senior Training & Program Coordinator at Care Medical Academy in Riyadh, where he has been working for 17 years. Through the league, he reunited with Christian, the FBL president, with whom he once played in the Royal Badminton League in Manila, Philippines — a reunion that rekindled both friendship and passion for the sport. Despite being based in Riyadh, Nate and fellow badminton enthusiasts travel to Bahrain to participate in tournaments, demonstrating their dedication and the strong network fostered by the Filipino badminton community in the Gulf region.
Adding youthful energy to the competition was Yasmeen Abdulhadi Alisa, 16, a Filipino-Bahraini and the youngest woman player of FBL, representing Team Space. Despite her young age, she displayed determination and enthusiasm on the court. Initially shy, she gained confidence through consistent practice and support from her teammates, reflecting how sports can bridge cultures and generations.
VIP Guests
The event was further honored by the presence of Antonette G. Avila, President of Good Cause Bahrain; Julius Jude P. Mamaclay, President of Kaisahan ng mga Balik Islam sa Bahrain; and Cecilia V. Ancheta, President of the Filipino Writers’ Circle, who graced the occasion in support of the Filipino badminton community. Their participation highlighted strong collaboration and solidarity among Filipino organizations in the Kingdom, emphasizing how sports can serve as a unifying platform.
Event Hosting and Closing
The tournament, hosted by emcee William Mark Gonzaga, was filled with excitement, sportsmanship, and camaraderie — proving that while championships may be decided by a single point, the true victory lies in unity, friendship, and shared passion.
With strong participation and enthusiastic support, the FBL Infinity Team Relay Tournament 2026 once again demonstrated the Filipino community’s passion for badminton and its commitment to strengthening bonds through sports.
