Is badminton played in Oz?!

[Magpie]

I've just recently returned from a trip to Australia where I managed a visit to the Australian Institute of Sport. I was amazed, and a bit disappointed to find that Australia places very little emphasis on badminton. Does anyone know what the state of play is over there? Also, what sort of development and support programme do the aussies have?

[bloke]

badminton is not a very big sport in Australia Magpie. I don't think there are any programs at the AIS for badminton. Badminton mecca in Australia is really in Melbourne with Victoria usually the strongest state team so the national squad hang out there to my knowledge. It is suprising when you look over the Tasman to New Zealand who have really developed badminton over the last few years and have some very good junior programs. Sport in Australia is dominated by Cricket, Football (Aussie Rules or Rugby) and tennis in summer. With most funding going towards these sports. Unless the badminton profile is raised (winning medals at the Olympics and Commonwealth help but is unlikely) or participation numbers increase (members affiliated to Badminton Australia have been in decline over the last few years), then further funding is unlikely. With decreasing funding from members and the Govt, it is unlikely that Badminton in Oz will improve as funding for coaching and development programs is not there and prize money from competitions is dismal. Badminton in Australia needs promotion and a major sponsor if it is to develop further...either that or junior players will need to fund their own development. Hopefully we can have a player that will soon challenge the world's best but to do this, they will certainly have to look elsewhere for elite training and sponsorship...these programs just don't exist sufficiently in Oz. :(

[jump_smash]

badminton is not a very big sport in Australia Magpie. I don't think there are any programs at the AIS for badminton. Badminton mecca in Australia is really in Melbourne with Victoria usually the strongest state team so the national squad hang out there to my knowledge. It is suprising when you look over the Tasman to New Zealand who have really developed badminton over the last few years and have some very good junior programs. :(

Yes, badminton isn't that big - but AIS is not where Badminton programs are hand. Badminton Australia is located in Melborune and elte devleopment is handled by the national sports organisation with some training through the VIS.

Yes the Victoria team has been the strongest state team, but not always dominating, and not all of the national squad are Victoria players.

As to junior development - BA do have an extensive program, and
have shown some results over the years.

Yes New Zealand have devleoped badminton over the last few years,
including spending quite a large amount of money on training and preparation -
highlighted by the rankings of their top Mixed Doubles pair.

But Australia have had some good results too - This year will see the first Australian team to make the Uber Cup finals in in Jakarta, Indonesia
7 - 16 May 2004, granted the New Zealand Men's team will be in the Thomas Cup.

[ants]

Most players in Aussie is usually chinese from , Msia , Thailand , ABC , Indonesia. Not many australian play the game. Usually they play cricket , rugby , footy and basketball.

[Magpie]

Sounds like you have a good case to try and increase your funding if Australia have made the Uber Cup. If you have some good junior players coming through, hopefully the Sports Commission will see that increased funding will benifit Oz in the long run.

It's the age old catch twenty-two. You need the funding to get better, but the Sports Commission won't give you the funding till you get better.

[jump_smash]

Most players in Aussie is usually chinese from , Msia , Thailand , ABC , Indonesia. Not many australian play the game. Usually they play cricket , rugby , footy and basketball.

Some of this is true - but not all rep players are from asian extration.

For example most succesfully player argubly in Australia was Lisa Campbell,
Commonwealth Gold Medalist (Ladies Singles) was a blonde, blue Aussie girl

[bloke]

C'arn the Aussies. If I'm lucky, SBS will show 30 seconds of highlights.

[Robbo77]

Well I agree Australia has no chance of ever producing a champion at badminton. For any sportsperson to succeed, you need thousands at the grass roots level. Take for instance the number of tennis players in Australia and we can have Hewitt and Philiposious as the top 2 guys at moment.

After primary school, any athlete who has talent goes into the popular and well funded sports like AFL, cricket, tennis, swimming.

Badminton is not promoted on television at all, the tournaments have no strong sponsorship and our national squad players are seemingly having to pay their own way around overseas to get any exposure to better players.

Take for instance one of our top junior players Jeff Tho, he is like 16 and can beat most under 19s and 23s. However without overseas training, he will never progress much further than being a top player in Australia.

I went to the Victoria Open this year, and apart from seeing maybe 20 players in the Open section, the numbers dwindled for each other grade. We were lucky to see maybe 4 girls playing A grade singles, and not many further down from that. The runnerup in A grade was not even a resident here, but an overseas student!! There is just not the participation levels and without that, how can any dedicated player improve?

I also think the training for the juniors etc. is very below standard, knowing a lot of asian social players could easily beat our players who get training in the squads...:crying:

Well I know I am barracking for China from now on. Aussie badminton is just a poor man's tennis scene.



Some of this is true - but not all rep players are from asian extration.

For example most succesfully player argubly in Australia was Lisa Campbell,
Commonwealth Gold Medalist (Ladies Singles) was a blonde, blue Aussie girl

[mulliet]

Well I agree Australia has no chance of ever producing a champion at badminton. For any sportsperson to succeed, you need thousands at the grass roots level. Take for instance the number of tennis players in Australia and we can have Hewitt and Philiposious as the top 2 guys at moment.

After primary school, any athlete who has talent goes into the popular and well funded sports like AFL, cricket, tennis, swimming.

Badminton is not promoted on television at all, the tournaments have no strong sponsorship and our national squad players are seemingly having to pay their own way around overseas to get any exposure to better players.

Take for instance one of our top junior players Jeff Tho, he is like 16 and can beat most under 19s and 23s. However without overseas training, he will never progress much further than being a top player in Australia.

I went to the Victoria Open this year, and apart from seeing maybe 20 players in the Open section, the numbers dwindled for each other grade. We were lucky to see maybe 4 girls playing A grade singles, and not many further down from that. The runnerup in A grade was not even a resident here, but an overseas student!! There is just not the participation levels and without that, how can any dedicated player improve?

I also think the training for the juniors etc. is very below standard, knowing a lot of asian social players could easily beat our players who get training in the squads...:crying:

Well I know I am barracking for China from now on. Aussie badminton is just a poor man's tennis scene.

I totally agree... except for the training part.. In western Australia there are the two top coaches in Australia.. Chang Jie Chen and Zhang Ai Ling... Trust me.. they will produce at least some top 20's in the World. Tiger Chen their son could be a challenger to the World..

But because of interior POLITICS in BAWA (badminton association of Western Australia) right now.. the future of young badminton players in Western Australia stands in the balance.. as Norman Anthony is gaining control of the Board and will use it to get rid of the best coaches in Australia Zhang Ai Ling and Chang Jie Chen... If anyone on the Badminton Australia board can help.. please do..

[jump_smash]

I totally agree... except for the training part.. In western Australia there are the two top coaches in Australia.. Chang Jie Chen and Zhang Ai Ling... Trust me.. they will produce at least some top 20's in the World. Tiger Chen their son could be a challenger to the World..

But because of interior POLITICS in BAWA (badminton association of Western Australia) right now.. the future of young badminton players in Western Australia stands in the balance.. as Norman Anthony is gaining control of the Board and will use it to get rid of the best coaches in Australia Zhang Ai Ling and Chang Jie Chen... If anyone on the Badminton Australia board can help.. please do..

I don't know who you expect on BA board to help, I can only think of one person. Given that BA were ready to accept at one point a private team entry from Norm Anthony for the June Bevan (U17)! - even though this is against rules, but fortunately they have extended the dates for state associations to enter so WA can fix up this problem!

Please note it is difficult for other associations or BA to be involved in another states internal politics, though some have tried.

Though I don't doubt these two are porbably some of the best coaches in Australia, thats a sweeping statement saying that they are the best.

[mulliet]

I don't know who you expect on BA board to help, I can only think of one person. Given that BA were ready to accept at one point a private team entry from Norm Anthony for the June Bevan (U17)! - even though this is against rules, but fortunately they have extended the dates for state associations to enter so WA can fix up this problem!

Please note it is difficult for other associations or BA to be involved in another states internal politics, though some have tried.

Though I don't doubt these two are porbably some of the best coaches in Australia, thats a sweeping statement saying that they are the best.lol.. sorry thanks.. i know how hard you guys are trying.. but these people are my coaches.. im allowed 2 be a bit bias arent i.. thanks anyway.. :(


Can you please read the letter that was sent in to the BA board requesting a regional team. The reason the request was sent in so late from the SSBA was so late was that the BAWA BoM delayed till December from June the nomination for coach for the Under 17 State Team. Please read the letter that was sent in by Mrs B Clutterbuck and Mr L Blackburn.

[jump_smash]

lol.. sorry thanks.. i know how hard you guys are trying.. but these people are my coaches.. im allowed 2 be a bit bias arent i.. thanks anyway.. :(


Can you please read the letter that was sent in to the BA board requesting a regional team. The reason the request was sent in so late from the SSBA was so late was that the BAWA BoM delayed till December from June the nomination for coach for the Under 17 State Team. Please read the letter that was sent in by Mrs B Clutterbuck and Mr L Blackburn.

Thanks I have read your PM, and answered it, unfortuantely I don't have access to this letter, as I am not on the BA board, I am on one of state/territory associations board.

[VicBrooker]

I'll admit that badminton isn't that recognised, but Victoria has some pretty good juniors... even on an international level - based on what I saw at the Southern Cross

[zello]

I'll admit that badminton isn't that recognised, but Victoria has some pretty good juniors... even on an international level - based on what I saw at the Southern Cross

on International level??? Are you kidding?

We SUCK. I mean, even the Kiwi u17s come here and absolutely kick our butts.

[newplayer]

on International level??? Are you kidding?

We SUCK. I mean, even the Kiwi u17s come here and absolutely kick our butts.

Why do we suck so much? Is it because a lack of talent (which I don't think is the
reason) or the lack of financial support from the government and private sectors?

newplayer

[ErrBerr]

on International level??? Are you kidding?

We SUCK. I mean, even the Kiwi u17s come here and absolutely kick our butts.

i back your statement zello, lol.. :rolleyes:

[zello]

Why do we suck so much? Is it because a lack of talent (which I don't think is the
reason) or the lack of financial support from the government and private sectors?

newplayer

Based on personal experience, all of the above.

Badminton is unpopular here, as most people still think it's a game you play in the backyard. Even now when i carry my racket in a case around uni, people comment on my squash gear. The lack of publicity despite the sport's huge social following means that there aren't many kids who go to sleep at night dreaming of playing in the Thomas or Uber Cups.

On the matter of talent, it is hard to tell. Most juniors here don't start taking it seriously until around 15 or so. Compare this to when I was in u19, the Singaporean u15 team came over to Australia to play against us (and won). I have a friend from hong kong at uni at the moment who at 15 had to decide whether to concentrate on study or continue playing badminton professionally, which she had been doing for a number of years. at the time she already had an international ranking better than any Aussie bar Lenny.
In my opinion, if you are going to take a sport seriously, then it should be at a much earlier age, especially where there is little support as is the case for badminton. This is not a hard and fast rule - Dean Lewis tells me he didn't even know what badminton was until he was 21 - but generally i think the focus must start much earlier.

Another reason why we aren't very good is because a number of good juniors don't continue to play after about yr 11. I made it to 2nd in Vic in u19 when i was 16, then i had to stop playing because of injury. When I came back to badminton about 18 months later, Shane Grund was the only one still playing. Most kids stop to concentrate on yr 12, uni and getting a job.

The support is getting better, now that players are given the opportunity to train overseas. However, Guy Gibson and Stuart Gomez moving across the country to live in Altona just so they have a chance of playing for Australia show that unless you're already in Melbourne/Ballarat/Bendigo, there's not much chance you're going to get very far in badminton.

At grassroots there's not much help. I know a number of coaches do it primarily for the money that is paid directly by the players, and don't receive any benefits from any bodies. As a result, advanced coaching is quite expensive, and it is hard for parents to justify spending so much when their kid could get similar exercise and social interaction from playing cricket/footy. I believe the funding for top level players is not fantastic, as I know a couple of former national hopefuls who just couldn't balance the amount of training required with paying the rent.

Basically there is not enough support or interest in badminton to fully develop the talent of our juniors, if the talent is there. In the few places where the system is in place to get the most out of the players, such as at the Badminton Academy at Kilsyth, there is still the general belief that unless the child has real potential, like Jeff Tho, Erica Pong or Boris Ma, the sport is still just something to keep the kid away from the tv, until work and study take its place.

Anyway that's my 2 cents...

[mulliet]

on International level??? Are you kidding?

We SUCK. I mean, even the Kiwi u17s come here and absolutely kick our butts.

excuse me.. we australians in under 17s took all the titles from the new zealanders.. we won EVERY single title and victoria took out the team event..

!!!

[Robbo77]

excuse me.. we australians in under 17s took all the titles from the new zealanders.. we won EVERY single title and victoria took out the team event..

!!!
Well the problem is not so much beating the Kiwis - their senior team can easily kick our butts, but the larger problem is no juniors progress past our region to go on like a Hewitt in tennis to attract more younger players to want to grow up and become like them. Malaysia is so close by, yet their high school teams could nearly beat our senior Australian team there is so serious a gap between skill levels!!

Like what has already been written, there is just not enough interest in the community to support large sponsorship and attract enough players to get the cream of the top athletes in Australia into badminton to be able to represent us competively at an international level.

[mulliet]

Well the problem is not so much beating the Kiwis - their senior team can easily kick our butts, but the larger problem is no juniors progress past our region to go on like a Hewitt in tennis to attract more younger players to want to grow up and become like them. Malaysia is so close by, yet their high school teams could nearly beat our senior Australian team there is so serious a gap between skill levels!!

Like what has already been written, there is just not enough interest in the community to support large sponsorship and attract enough players to get the cream of the top athletes in Australia into badminton to be able to represent us competively at an international level.

Yeah... very true... I think Badminton Australia are working on improving badminton in Australia... But without sponsorship we have no hope...

[LongReach]

mmmmmmmmm.......I am thinking of moving overseas.:crying:

[Dragon Club]

The Dragon Badminton Club is a relatively new club in Queensland, Australia, hitting badminton with a new concept. We welcome anyone, any standard, any age, locals or visitors passing-by. Whether you are a complete beginner, hasn't touched a racquet for 20 years, or a serious or top level player, we are here for you. If you want fun, lots of friends and wanna sweat, you are at the right place! You will feel you are part of our club and our club is part of you. Our members are all very friendly and only too pleased to make another friend anytime!

Our club is a all-in-one and one-in-all club. We have everything you need for badminton - social play, comps, coaching, outings, rackets, shuttles, bags, clothes, shoes, stringing and repair service.


Badminton is fun. Dragon Club brings you fun. So come and enjoy the sport with us!

Visit www.dragonclub.org (http://www.dragonclub.org) or call 0500-888 268 for more details.

[LongReach]

Australia needs a 'Messiah'. Someone who can rise to the top of the world and become A world champion..........:) to boost popularity of the sport here.

Hopefully this Messiah will come soon..........just a matter of time.:(

[ErrBerr]

Australia needs a 'Messiah'. Someone who can rise to the top of the world and become A world champion..........:) to boost popularity of the sport here.

Hopefully this Messiah will come soon..........just a matter of time.:(

Yes.. Let's just all pray for that day to come.. hehe.. :o

[LongReach]

Yes.. Let's just all pray for that day to come.. hehe.. :o


Hope I will be still alive to see it!

Gee, I hope god reads this thread.;)

[FrenziedEye]

No Support from government ---------> Results in people chasing after academic achievements.

However, according to my coach Chen Xin Hua (who I think played 3rd for China during his prime...maybe he is around 65 now?), there was once a case where a very good player from China came over to Australia and asked the government for support in badminton. His name was Sze Yu, and at that time he was ranked 3rd in the world. The government refused support, so naturally Sze Yu got really 'ticked off'. I believe Sze Yu is now a movie star.

Yes, Australia does need a particular someone in badminton to shine and rise up, but firstly badminton has to be much more popular in Australia!!! Otherwise the government would not even consider providing sponsoship to any GREAT players.

Dunno how well manage that......

[LongReach]

Dunno how well manage that......


By having an Australian take the world by storm.....just like leyton hewitt.

The Australian Government only supports sports that we are good at, unfortunately.

Until Australians start internationally playing in the top ten countries , they will not bother funding.......and use that money to fund other sports we win at.

[dwcl83]

At this year’s U/17 nationals, one of our junior female club members won the triple crown: singles, doubles and mixed. It’s a damn fine achievement, and I’m pretty sure this is a first of it’s kind (at least for South Australia). Yet, there’s not a shred of publicity, not even in our parochial state paper. It doesn’t even compare to the kind of coverage that a similar aged achieving footballer would get. Now, if this girl wants to continue, she’ll have to move to Victoria to train. I doubt this will happen, so in the end all that talent will probably be wasted and a career in badminton won’t be pursued. Then there’s the asian family stereotype which will probably ensure she’ll be aiming for a suitable profession (medicine, law) after year 12. Still, I’d love to be proven wrong.

It’s not unexpected. Of all the kids in my generation who trained while young, there’s very few who have continued. One who was tipped to be a state team rep went off to Melbourne for her medical studies, last I recall she’s almost at the end of her degree and she’d talked about giving up badminton. When I ran into another last year, he told me sold his racquets. Others got jobs, and generally lost the incentive to train, and then later on to play. It’s not hard to see why funding for the sport isn’t seen as a priority. There’s the lack of talent and direction, and after getting belted in national titles as youngsters, there’s little incentive or hope to improve. They hear about how selection in China is based purely on physical characteristics (tall = play badminton) and realise there’s no way to compete. The attitude is that “If you’re going to lose, why bother?” –if you pick that up when you’re young, that’s the end of any serious sporting ambition. Add to that young people will more than likely receive some sort of counselling with regards to their future direction. Will Badminton put food and money on the table? Maybe, but more likely not if you live in Australia. The dilemma is that when people are older, they are more able to overcome this psychological hurdle. I know of a few: the ones who pick up the game later, they’ve got the basics; they play comp; they know how to balance work, uni and relationships with badminton and above all they’ve got a strong desire to learn and improve. Unfortunately, coaches are less likely to put effort into training them as some are now considered ‘too old.’

[psychict]

I totally agree that badminton in australia looks like some backyard thing where not many younsters actually play... Even if anyone plays it's a small community...

Down here in Hobart there's the South Hobart BA and there's lots of kids and younsters playing but in the university badminton club, the list shows 80% of international students rather than locals... Not many locals even play at all... THey rather go for rugby or footy ... or even frisbee :(

All in all... I was shocked that there were very few ppl playing badminton...

Good Luck to badminton Australia :rolleyes:

[kingkiller48]

I'll admit that badminton isn't that recognised, but Victoria has some pretty good juniors... even on an international level - based on what I saw at the Southern Cross

Yes, it's very true VicBrooker. For example, the juniors in New South Wales have to go to Victoria just for Junior Redevelopment Squad. Why don't we have it here in NSW?

[tungtungchiang]

erm.. i don't think oz play badminton in western australia. everyday what they mentions are AFL only.. or soccer. I been to few recreation centres and only found 1 oz play good badminton... other than that oz.. no more

[mulliet]

erm.. i don't think oz play badminton in western australia. everyday what they mentions are AFL only.. or soccer. I been to few recreation centres and only found 1 oz play good badminton... other than that oz.. no more

lol where did u see this good oz?

[Smichz]

Australia needs a 'Messiah'. Someone who can rise to the top of the world and become A world champion..........:) to boost popularity of the sport here.

Hopefully this Messiah will come soon..........just a matter of time.:(

Well..i hope the messiah rise from among our BC members who's in oz.=)
Need a help,dont hesitate to ask from indo!Cheers!

[tungtungchiang]

It was on thursday night at one of the high school, somewhere north of the perth city. I'm not really sure what's the school name but then it is a union of one of the christian community, and most of them are from Hong Kong, and there's the place that i found the oz who play very well in badminton. Perhaps some hongkie (in christian community) might know what i'm talking about..
:rolleyes:

lol where did u see this good oz?

[Robbo77]

Here is a little bit of hope:
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21940824-11088,00.html

Unfortunately it is only funding for girls aged between 10-13 yrs old to be developed into 'good' players:crying:

From what I know of the female scene of badminton at the moment (there are about 4 'A' grade girls in the whole of Melbourne:eek:) and so few want to play tournaments.

The female level at state level is quite poor and so developing young girls would be a relatively easy task to get them into a state team in a couple of years, so quick results for the govt funding. As for the guys, well tough luck, no funding!!:mad:

I also have to say there is quite a strong interest in the 8 or so tournaments a year from the guys that play A-D grades. I wish the Badminton Victoria website would support us by publishing results and doing a bit of a write up on the tournaments (even the Uni ones) because we are the grass roots level and it will be our children who are influenced to play and enjoy badminton and maybe become the next generation state players etc.

[llpjlau]

I totally agree... except for the training part.. In western Australia there are the two top coaches in Australia.. Chang Jie Chen and Zhang Ai Ling... Trust me.. they will produce at least some top 20's in the World. Tiger Chen their son could be a challenger to the World..

But because of interior POLITICS in BAWA (badminton association of Western Australia) right now.. the future of young badminton players in Western Australia stands in the balance.. as Norman Anthony is gaining control of the Board and will use it to get rid of the best coaches in Australia Zhang Ai Ling and Chang Jie Chen... If anyone on the Badminton Australia board can help.. please do..

why does he want to remove those coaches?

[utaha88]

Well badminton is a good sport and stuff but then again alot of ppl in Australia dont see it as a serious sports because theres no recognitions unlike footy and cricket. I myself enjoy playing badminton at a young age with my brother teaching me when i was only 11-12 years old and i was very short. But to play badminton it cost way too much such as shuttles and court hire and it's impossible to get to as well such Msac facility and Altona, so really end of the day what sport would you rather play a sport that just requires a ball or a sport that will cost atleast $20 bucks an hr and also paying for shuttles as well which are not very cheap by the way and im a person whos on budget. And esp if your family doesnt even have the money to even support you playing badminton at a very young, the chances are very high that you will stop playing it.

[llpjlau]

that's probably why Africa is more exposed to football.

[Prane]

yeh man its hell annoying, i have been able to catch only 2 games of badminton so far for like 10 minutes each time. sigh.

[bradmyster]

No Support from government ---------> Results in people chasing after academic achievements.

However, according to my coach Chen Xin Hua (who I think played 3rd for China during his prime...maybe he is around 65 now?), there was once a case where a very good player from China came over to Australia and asked the government for support in badminton. His name was Sze Yu, and at that time he was ranked 3rd in the world. The government refused support, so naturally Sze Yu got really 'ticked off'. I believe Sze Yu is now a movie star.

Yes, Australia does need a particular someone in badminton to shine and rise up, but firstly badminton has to be much more popular in Australia!!! Otherwise the government would not even consider providing sponsoship to any GREAT players.

Dunno how well manage that......

I geauss you would be talking about mr Sze?? He coaches in brisbane now (only a couple of students though) As he is quite old.
Everyone wonders why badminton moves nowhere here??

So far iv seen quite a few aussies in this thread say nah we are **** never gona get anywhere. the end. If people believe and popularity grows we will have a chance. Its like E-sports in australia. (competitive computer gaming) IN europe and such its huge. lots of money and competition. Australia is yet to break into that barrier due to attitude problems.

Change the attitude and back the sport and eventually we will get there.
If boris Ma from victoria is still training hard and wants to compete im sure he has a chance to do well. But most people in aus focus more on acedemic rather than badminton. And badminton is just a social time thing for them.

[llpjlau]

Change the attitude and back the sport and eventually we will get there.
If boris Ma from victoria is still training hard and wants to compete im sure he has a chance to do well.

its to do with the popularity of badminton. Australian as a nation is good at rugby, Aussie Rules and cricket (and maybe hockey). what do the majority of Australians play? those sports.

bigger number of players = bigger pool = bigger popularity = better funding = better training = better players = better results


But most people in aus focus more on acedemic rather than badminton. And badminton is just a social time thing for them.

if you're saying that about Singapore then maybe. but Australia? how long have you lived here?

[bradmyster]

its to do with the popularity of badminton. Australian as a nation is good at rugby, Aussie Rules and cricket (and maybe hockey). what do the majority of Australians play? those sports.

bigger number of players = bigger pool = bigger popularity = better funding = better training = better players = better results


if you're saying that about Singapore then maybe. but Australia? how long have you lived here?

And how are things meant to grow if an attitude towards the sport is wrong or damaging? Everything needs to start somewhere. Majority of australians play those sports because its easy to get into and follow through to the elite level. (meaning if you have the talent there are countless resources and helping things to get you to the top)
Badminton is an awesome sport and if given the chance and marketed correctly could get very big and popular. But its finding the people willing to do this thats the problem. And it will take years of hard work to help it grow.


im talking in regards to the people playing badminton. Badminton seems to be social for most of them no matter how strong or weak they are. Study is their priority in life.
And i was born and raised here and im white.

[llpjlau]

Badminton is an awesome sport and if given the chance and marketed correctly could get very big and popular. But its finding the people willing to do this thats the problem. And it will take years of hard work to help it grow.

i started a thread some time ago about the view many people have about badminton. many australians have that view. its just not part of their culture. its extremely difficult to change the aussie culture. in fact, it is very difficult to change any culture.

frankly, australia is a follower (except AFL - but even that is "stolen" from each code of football). get it popular where it has a real chance of being popular, like Europe and the USA. australia will follow suit not long after that. it will never replace the likes of football (any kind) or cricket, but it can be much more popular than it is now.


Study is their priority in life.

and rightly so. getting an education is important. however, there are sports schools that can give almost equal weighting to both. i don't know about australia but one you always hear about is the Bukit Jalil Sports School in malaysia. whats the Australian Institute of Sport doing about badminton?

[alexh]

Hi dwcl83, it's nice to see another Adelaidean on this forum!


...It’s a damn fine achievement...Yet, there’s not a shred of publicity...

The one thing that gives me hope is that Australia manages to produce world-class squash players, even though that's another sport that gets practically zero publicity.

[llpjlau]

The one thing that gives me hope is that Australia manages to produce world-class squash players, even though that's another sport that gets practically zero publicity.

i've never played squash but i quite enjoy watching it. i'm also quite certain i would enjoy playing it.

but quite many people play squash. have a look at the recreational complexes or uni sport centres, the squash courts seem to be in use all the time.

[Cheung]

I geauss you would be talking about mr Sze?? He coaches in brisbane now (only a couple of students though) As he is quite old.
Everyone wonders why badminton moves nowhere here??

So far iv seen quite a few aussies in this thread say nah we are **** never gona get anywhere. the end. If people believe and popularity grows we will have a chance. Its like E-sports in australia. (competitive computer gaming) IN europe and such its huge. lots of money and competition. Australia is yet to break into that barrier due to attitude problems.

Change the attitude and back the sport and eventually we will get there.
If boris Ma from victoria is still training hard and wants to compete im sure he has a chance to do well. But most people in aus focus more on acedemic rather than badminton. And badminton is just a social time thing for them.

That is the famous Mr Sze who is the coach. It is his son who played into the top ten in the world, went to Australia and disappeared after about 1 year representing Australia. He went on to forge a career in acting in Taiwan.:)

[bradmyster]

That is the famous Mr Sze who is the coach. It is his son who played into the top ten in the world, went to Australia and disappeared after about 1 year representing Australia. He went on to forge a career in acting in Taiwan.:)

wow thats awesome lol thanks for the info :)

[chris-ccc]

That is the famous Mr Sze who is the coach. It is his son who played into the top ten in the world, went to Australia and disappeared after about 1 year representing Australia. He went on to forge a career in acting in Taiwan. :)



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Surprisingly Cheung knows so much about our Mr Sze. :):):)

Yes, Mr Sze is now at Altona, Victoria, Australia. And his talented Badminton son has taken up a career in acting (in movies).
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[bradmyster]

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Surprisingly Cheung knows so much about our Mr Sze. :):):)

Yes, Mr Sze is now at Altona, Victoria, Australia. And his talented Badminton son has taken up a career in acting (in movies).
.

?????
Pretty sure mr Sze is living in brisbane and coaching a couple of students. 2 of my close friends and training partners trained with him last week.

[chris-ccc]

?????
Pretty sure mr Sze is living in brisbane and coaching a couple of students. 2 of my close friends and training partners trained with him last week.



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:o:o:o Sorry, I just cannot catch up with Mr Sze. He is everywhere in Australia. :D:D:D
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