BADMINTON – IS IT EVERYBODY’S CUP OF TEA? There are times when we are not able to find for ourselves, a suitable companion or a player with whom we can play badminton. Well, I don’t know about you all, but this was specifically the case with me. As a result, I used to prompt my mother to swing the racket and hit the shuttle. But at that tender age, what i failed to understand was that my own mother had backache issues. Yet she tried her level best to match up with me. Please don’t think of me as a bad daughter as before the game I always bargained to pick the shuttle up from the ground even if my mother dropped her shot. This very situation has prompted to me write this article. Is badminton everybody’s cup of tea? The answer is YES, it is technically the easiest game to play.
If you ever decide to go to a renounced badminton academy, you will see players from all the age groups enjoying a match with people of different heights and sizes. Now what is that one thing which differentiates a player from a non-player? It is definitely not the experience at hitting the shots because it is that one thing which can be easily acquired if you have requisite will power. You cannot completely blame it to your health issues (until and unless you suffering from a grave disease). These health issues will usually resolve as soon as you start some physical workout. The thing which differentiates a player from a non-player is tenacity. Many people who fail to hit the first ten shots generally think that badminton is not their cup of tea which is wrong.
People generally play this sport for three reasons: pure love for the sport, a proper workout and socialization. People aged 60 also play badminton at least three times a week. I have seen many 25 year old beginners, who usually start playing this sport in order to have a good workout and overcome their diseases. The end result for them has always been encouraging. Badminton can be enjoyed by each and every person as it is a comparatively simple sport. There is only one objective of the player – hit the shuttle over the net. Whereas in other sports, like cricket, one has to first hit the ball, then run for runs etc. That is indeed very hectic! A non-contact sport like badminton provides full body workout. The player uses not only his hands and legs but also his core. People of all skill levels and body types can enjoy this sport at their own pace. Advanced players can return the shuttle at thunderbolt rates, but speed is not what people thrive for in a casual and steady game.
People say, “If you cannot play badminton, you can never play any other sport.” Practically, this is true. Games like table tennis, lawn tennis, cricket etc. are in a way, related to badminton itself. One has to aim for the ball, if not for a shuttlecock and hit it accurately. Badminton also provides you the advantage of playing indoors unlike cricket, where you have to run for the ball in scorching sunlight. The convenience factor provided by this sport is immense. You can easily boost your heart rate and burn calories, that too in a fully air conditioned court. How cool is that!
If you ever think of taking up any sport, do aim at badminton. I have already given you innumerable reasons for taking it up. It also provides you with many socialization opportunities. Generally, an academy follows queueing system for its members. This ensures that all players – whether advanced or beginners, get equal play time and opportunity. This also means that while waiting for your turn on the queue, you can easily make friends on the sidelines. Between attacks and smashes on the court, players can share a good laugh and tease each other. It feels good if a particular person was entirely a stranger and ten minutes later, you walk out with the same person as if you both have been friends forever.
Choosing an appropriate sport is entirely one’s own personal choice. But if you chose badminton, no matter how old, fat or short you are, you will eventually master it. Just have patience and resilience and success will definitely come to you.
