‘Don’t hesitate to try this sport’
Atlantic Canadians endorsing the resurgence of badminton
Badminton is getting a revival and Mark Brown is ready for it. The 35-year-old from Mermaid, P.E.I. has been playing the sport for a little over 20 years, since 2002 when he was in the seventh grade at Stonepark Intermediate School in Charlottetown.
“I always played soccer and hockey growing up. And one day I decided to hang up the skates and cleats. When I was introduced to badminton in school, I quickly realized that I liked the fast paced, rapid back and forth rallies, power, precision and strategy it required, as well as the individual game of it,” he said.
“I started playing during lunch times and not long after, I beat the top player in my school. A couple months after that I won the zone of my schools. This gave me a thrilling feeling to became more serious of the sport.”
That’s where it all started for Brown. After a few months of playing for fun, he decided to play competitively.
“My parents were aware of that and supportive of my wishes. One day, my mom found an article in the newspaper saying ‘Colonel Gray Badminton Club’ with dates and times. I was so happy to hear those words, that there was more than just school badminton,” said Brown.
“To go to the next level, this was my chance! I got to the club, and before I even stepped foot in the gym, I could hear shuttles getting smashed and loud shouting of players. I knew I was at the right spot.”
Brown soon discovered that there was a whole world of badminton waiting for him: provincial championships, Canada Games opportunities, and coaches that could get him to the top.
“I played and trained there for a couple years while playing in provincial tournaments. After some coaching, along with my dedication and determination, within a couple years I was able to win multiple provincial titles, in all events: singles, doubles and mixed doubles,” he said.
“I became a top Atlantic Canada player, making it to the semi-finals in a national junior elite series tournament. Around the same time, I represented P.E.I. for the 2007 Canada Winter Games.”
Over 20 years later, Brown is still playing for fun recreationally and in local tournaments.
“What I enjoy most about it is the fast-paced gameplay, strategy and skill requirements,” Brown said.
“There are a few different clubs in Charlottetown, some recreational and some advanced. It’s a great way to meet new people on the court and to extend friendships off the court as well.”
For those who are considering picking up the sport, Brown has a few tips and tricks.
“To get started, you just need court shoes, a racket, and plastic or feathered shuttles. It’s definitely on the less expensive side of sports to start playing,” he said.
“You can play outside, however the wind can make it tough, so I highly recommend indoors. Inside is the only way to play competitively. It takes a lot of reflex, agility, and endurance to become a competitive player.”
Brown has noticed the growth in popularity badminton has had in P.E.I. and Canada, and is very excited about it.
“Badminton in P.E.I. and Canada keeps increasing its popularity. It’s an Asian-dominated sport and Canada is a welcoming country which allows more immigrants to live and play here,” he said.
“In fact, about nine years ago we were very excited to learn that a former Chinese national champion had moved here and has since been training young kids to fine-tune their skills to become great players.”
Lakshmanan Pandian has been a badminton player for a decade, originally choosing it as an alternative to the gym.
“I wanted to be active and instead of going to a gym, I wanted to try a sport. I used to watch people play badminton and wanted to try it out, and after trying it, I felt that the sport is something that keeps you motivated and healthy,” said the 36-year-old from Middle Sackville, N.S.
“Of course, perks of playing badminton comes with knowing new people in the community with similar hobbies. I have made a lot of friends in badminton that extends beyond the court to visiting each other homes and other outdoor spaces.”
Pandian began playing badminton shortly after moving to the Halifax area and has enjoyed the opportunity to explore more of Canada through the sport.
“I have been in Halifax close to 10 years and travelled different Atlantic provinces for competitions. The amount of diverse people taking up this sport has gone up so fast,” he shared.
“The main reason for spike, I think, is because people understand the joy of playing the sport and a few are even taking it competitively.”
Badminton has also created lovely family memories for Pandian, he says.
“I have two favourite badminton memories: winning a competition in New Brunswick in the presence of my wife who just came to Halifax, and taking my kid to badminton coaching and seeing her play,” he said.
“Don’t hesitate to try this sport, it helps to give you a full body workout, socialize with new people, improves your mental health and keeps you active.”