Sale teenage badminton sensation Cholan Kayan had his first taste of senior international tournaments in 2022 and is hungry for more.

Kayan, who studies Anatomical Science at the University of Manchester, got his maiden senior England cap last May at the highly prestigious Thomas Cup competition in Bangkok.

And after reaching the men’s singles final at the National Championships in Milton Keynes in December, Kayan wants to push himself to consistently challenge the world’s top players.

It is certainly a tough ask for the 19-year-old to balance his degree with elite-level sport, but Kayan would not have it any other way if it means he gets to travel every corner of the globe.

“Getting selected for the England team in Thailand is probably my favourite memory of my career so far,” said Kayan. “I was in the same tournament as the best in the world. I would be in the same hotels and we’d be having breakfast seeing the world number one. It was a weird feeling but a great experience. I learned a lot from that trip and I was definitely motivated afterwards. In England we haven’t really ever had a player that’s consistently been able to compete at the top and that’s what I want to do.”

Kayan faced fellow rising talent and top seed Johnnie Torjussen in the National Championships final and title-holder Torjussen defended his crown 21-12, 21-17.

Even though it stung at the time, Kayan looks back on his performance with pride and went on to represent England at the European Mixed Team Championships.

“I was definitely disappointed,” admitted Kayan. “It’s always disappointing losing a final. I was obviously wanting to win. It was a tough first set but I think I played well. Now when I reflect on it, it was good but I’m just keen to go at it again. I just want to play it again.

“I’m excited to get another senior cap for England. I’m just privileged to get another opportunity. I do feel part of the team.

“But it’s obviously a weird situation where I don’t train there full-time because I’m based in Manchester. But I definitely feel still part of the team and meant to be there. Currently we’re all developing, all quite young and they’ve definitely been welcoming to me.”

Fuelling his ambitions is not straightforward, but with the help of SportsAid funding, Kayan ensures all his free time is spent training or studying.

He said: “I have to pay for all my training so SportsAid has helped massively and obviously I don’t have any other source of income so it helps with all the little things like transport.”

n Entain, owner of Ladbrokes and Coral, is proud to be championing the next generation of British sporting heroes by providing talented young athletes with financial support and personal development opportunities in partnership with SportsAid. Visit entaingroup.com to find out more