Badminton Club inspires international friendships

Dawson Parks photo

Shuttlecocks, as pictured, are the "ball" of badminton.

A club sport that made a “racket” with international students and American students alike made its return this fall.

Originally from India, badminton became popular across Europe in the 1800s. At Troy, badminton is famous among students from around the world. Since 2016, Troy’s Badminton Club has been a way for international and American students to hang out, have a good time and, of course, play badminton.

“It’s been a communal spot for international students to come hang out,” said Brooke Walton, president of the Badminton Club and senior early childhood education major from Smiths Station, Alabama. “[They can] find community amongst people from both within and outside their country.

“For Americans, [they] get to know people from outside their country, and it’s good to stay active.”

Vu Kieu, a student from Hanoi, Vietnam and a senior business administration major, says the club has helped him make friends and play a sport he’s enjoyed since he was a child.

“I’m kind of shy talking to the new guys, so this club helped me improve that,” Kieu said. “When I arrived in the U.S., I was afraid they didn’t play badminton here, but luckily, they have.”

Now, the Badminton Club has a large turnout and continues to receive support from students across campus.

“It’s been a very popular club; we’ve had up to 50 people at a time,” said Andrew McKown, an ESL Instructor.

The Badminton Club plans to participate in two tournaments this semester, with one on Oct. 10 and one during this year’s International Education Week.

“Last year we had some schools from Alabama, like The University of Alabama and West Alabama,” McKown said. “We’re also going to get a couple more schools to come in, so we’re going to have a big tournament.”

McKown encourages students to show up to the club and have fun, even if you’re a beginner.

“Say hi to somebody, make a friend and start playing badminton,” McKown said. “We’re all learning here.

“We have rackets, we have nets, we have birdies, we have everything you need.”

The Badminton Club holds practice every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6-9 p.m. in the Wright Hall gym. For more information about any upcoming events or about the club itself, students can visit their Instagram @trojanbadminton or email them at badmintonclub@troy.edu.