Tamil Badminton World Championship Draws Hundreds to Argentan
ARGENTAN, France (AP) — Nearly 300 badminton players from 19 countries are converging on Argentan in Normandy this weekend for the Tamil Badminton World Championship. The competition, running Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, 2025, brings together members of the Tamil diaspora, many of whom were displaced by the Sri Lankan civil war, which lasted from 1983 to 2009.
Shanmugarajah family Represents Local Argentan Club
The Bayard Argentan badminton club will be represented by the Shanmugarajah family. thanjeevan, 44, will compete alongside his sister, Archuna, 35, and his two children, Arthur, 16, and Charly, 13.
A Family immersed in Badminton
The Shanmugarajah family’s involvement in badminton runs deep. Thanjeevan, who joined the club almost 30 years ago, inspired his sister archuna to follow suit.”My brother was quite good,so I decided to follow him,” Archuna saeid. “I’ve always been immersed in badminton, and I eventually joined the club in 2008.”
For Thanjeevan’s children, Arthur and Charly, badminton has been a lifelong passion. “Their mother and I met through badminton,” Thanjeevan explained.”while we were playing, they were next to the courts in their strollers, having fun.”
badminton Bonds: A Family’s Sri Lankan Connection Through Sport
A French family with Sri Lankan roots finds connection and cultural immersion through the Tamil World Badminton championship, strengthening family bonds and allowing them to reconnect with their heritage.
reconnecting Through Badminton
The Shanmugarajah family, spread across France, reunites annually at the Tamil World Badminton Championship. Despite living far apart, the tournament serves as a vital link, allowing them to bond over shared heritage and a love for badminton.
Roots in Sri Lanka
Thanjeevan Shanmugarajah, who lived in Sri Lanka until age 13, cherishes the tournament as an opportunity to immerse his family in Tamil culture. His son, Archuna, who moved to France at age 3, values the chance to reconnect with his Sri Lankan background and practice his native language.
French-Born Sons Embrace Heritage
Thanjeevan’s other sons, Charly and Arthur, were born in Falaise, France. While they don’t speak Tamil fluently, the badminton tournament provides a rare opportunity to engage with their family’s cultural heritage. thanjeevan regrets not having pushed them to learn the language, though French was prioritized at home.
A Family Affair on the Court
The Shanmugarajahs are deeply involved in badminton.Arthur is currently in a sports-study program in Caen, dedicating 13 hours a week to training. Charly trains six hours weekly with a local team. The tournament allows them to compete and connect with other Tamil players from around the world.
Return to Sri Lanka
In 2024, the family traveled to Sri lanka for the tamil World Badminton Championship. for Thanjeevan, it was an emotional return after 30 years.He reached the final in the +40 singles category and aims to win this year. The family embraces the opportunity to return to their roots, and any of the Shanmugarajahs could emerge victorious this year.
AI Innovation: French Students’ Project Aims to Reduce Hospital Medication Errors
PARIS – A team of French students has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) solution designed to significantly reduce medication errors in hospitals, a persistent and critical issue in healthcare systems worldwide. By leveraging AI,the students aim to minimize risks associated with incorrect drug prescriptions and administration,ultimately improving patient safety.
Cutting-edge AI Solution Targets Prescription Accuracy
The core of the students’ innovation lies in its ability to analyze prescriptions and patient data with remarkable precision. The AI algorithm meticulously cross-references prescribed medications with patient history, potential allergies, and other relevant factors. This extensive approach allows the system to identify potential discrepancies and alert healthcare professionals to possible errors before they reach the patient.
Addressing a Critical Healthcare Challenge: Medication Errors
Medication errors represent a substantial threat to patient well-being and a considerable burden on healthcare resources. Thes errors can range from incorrect dosages to adverse drug interactions, leading to serious complications and increased hospital stays. Studies indicate that a notable percentage of hospital patients experience medication-related adverse events, highlighting the urgency for effective preventative measures.
Real-World Impact: Improved Patient Safety and Reduced Healthcare Costs
The students’ AI project offers a promising avenue for mitigating these risks and enhancing the overall quality of patient care. By providing real-time decision support to doctors and pharmacists, the system empowers them to make more informed decisions and reduce the likelihood of errors. The adoption of such a technology could lead to a decrease in adverse drug events, improved patient outcomes, and substantial cost savings for hospitals.
Future Implications: AI’s Role in Transforming Healthcare
This initiative underscores the growing potential of AI to revolutionize various aspects of healthcare.As AI technology continues to advance, it is indeed poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in improving diagnostic accuracy, personalizing treatment plans, and streamlining healthcare operations. The French students’ project serves as a compelling example of how AI can be harnessed to address critical challenges and create a safer, more efficient healthcare environment for all.
Tamil Badminton & AI in Healthcare: Q&A
Tamil Badminton World Championship
AI Innovation: French Students’ project
both the Tamil Badminton Championship and the French students’ AI project highlight the power of community, innovation, and the importance of staying connected to our roots. Whether it’s through sport or technology, these endeavors are helping to build stronger communities and improve lives.
