AMES — The game of badminton displays the fastest traveling shuttle and is a game that is encouraged and played competitively through the badminton club at Iowa State.
Badminton is a game that falls into the category of racquet sports. The game is most similar to tennis and can be played in a singles format or doubles. The winner of the rally between the opponents achieves the point. Games go to 21 points and usually include a best-of-three series of matches to determine a winner.
The badminton club offers a welcoming community that allows players of all experience levels to display their abilities with the racket and the shuttlecock. The club also offers the entry-level equipment free of charge for those who do not have the equipment.
The club has weekly gatherings Fridays and Sundays. The club meets from 7-9:30 p.m. Friday and from 3-7 p.m. Sunday, which can be friendly rallies or competitive games that feature smash shots or drop shots. The gatherings are at Forker Gym in the basement, and the Club has instituted a $5 drop-in fee or a payment of $25 for a semester.
“What I love most is the competitive side,” graduate student Qimin Feng said. “Once a rally gets intense, this seriousness kicks in and all I want to do is win, and that feeling keeps me coming back.”
The competitive badminton seekers will be fulfilled, as the club competes in tournaments and events throughout the year, most recently hosting the Senior Open Tournament April 11 at Iowa State. The club has hosted a fall tournament, which had over 200 players entered to compete from different places across the Midwest.
There is also the opportunity for players to be sponsored to travel. In the past, players have gone to play in Illinois and Minnesota for competitive tournaments.
One of the biggest themes that the badminton club follows is the inclusion of all members regardless of skills, as mentioned earlier. For them, it’s about inspiring a culture that leaves nobody behind and always makes sure that players improve and feel supported.
“The badminton club is more than just a sport, it’s a family,” Club President Kunal Suresh said. “We compete, improve and we make sure everyone from beginners to experienced players feels included.”
The growth in the badminton community is important, but the club also offers opportunities to grow closer off the court and be able to build a network of friends and community at Iowa State. The club offers social events and volunteering opportunities for members to participate in.
The club displays a roster that ranges from people who are underclassmen to graduate students, showing that different walks of schooling are all represented, which can be very helpful for people to know people of different areas of study and ages.
“Joining the badminton club is a decision I’ll never regret,” sophomore Kasia Klapacz said. “It has allowed me to build meaningful connections with others while deepening my passion for the sport.”
Those who are interested in joining or have questions regarding the club should contact Suresh through email at: [email protected].
