Badminton striving for recognition in the South Florida community

Rebecca Charur/Contributing Writer

Every four years the Olympics bring a flurry of beloved and exotic sports alike to our TV sets. In flipping through the channels we often encounter certain intriguing competitions that may not necessarily be a routine sport in our neighborhood parks. One of these sports that we may encounter is badminton, a timeless sport that FIU students are embracing.

The badminton club has provided a unique outlet for students to enjoy the game and improve their skills for over a decade.

“It has been here for along time, since I first came to FIU,” faculty supervisor Professor Xiaotang Wang said.

Throughout these years, the club members and coaches have encouraged participation in the sport and have taught students the various dimensions of the game. Among the thirty-five members that stand today promoting and supporting the growth of the club are its President Rui Guo, vice president, and treasurer. Together they work towards increasing the popularity of the sport and further strive to reach the larger goal of turning the club into an official NCAA sport.

Badminton involves a significant amount of mental strategy while also requiring a certain level of energy and physical fitness. Because there are no more than two players on the court at a time, the points scored are dependent on the athleticism of the individual.

“It is a way to exercise and keep you in good shape. It is a sport that requires extensive movement,” Wang said.

Students are also given the option to play with a partner and compete in doubles matches. This competition, then, not only requires athleticism, but also teamwork and chemistry with one’s doubles partner.

Although members rarely compete outside of FIU, they often hold competitions or scrimmage among themselves. Other badminton clubs from universities in Florida have even reached out to FIU club members inviting them to compete in tournaments.

The badminton season is a year-round event with practices scheduled on Fridays and Sundays. On Fridays, practices are held from 5 to 7 p.m. and Sunday practices are held from 2 to 6 p.m. The practices are normally held in FIU’s University Park Campus recreation center.

The good news is nothing but an appreciation for the game is required for the club. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced badminton player, there is a spot available.

“We welcome anyone with any background of the sport,” Wang said.

This also includes people who are not students of FIU. If you are not a student and are interested in the club there are multiple ways of becoming involved. For one, there is the option of playing $5 for the entire day. Another way to become involved is by joining the Alumni Association and then subscribe to the gym for the semester.

The club also provides the necessary equipment such as the rackets and shuttlecocks in the case that members do not own their own gear.
-sports@fiusm.com