Humans of Shuttle Time: Alaa Mohamed Youssef Fathy

Humans of Shuttle Time: Alaa Mohamed Youssef Fathy

This is the 47th story in our Humans of Shuttle Time series, in which we present the perspectives of those who are involved with badminton at the grassroots level. Alaa Mohamed Youssef Fathy, Shuttle Time Tutor with Egyptian Badminton Federation, talks about her accidental foray from basketball to badminton, winning accolades internationally, and giving back to the community.

Childhood Years

Growing up, I was always a very active child, constantly involved in various sports. I played football, basketball, and speedball, which kept me physically engaged and helped me develop a strong foundation in agility, coordination, and teamwork. These experiences not only instilled a love for sports but also taught me discipline and perseverance, and how to work as part of a team. Coming from a supportive social background, I was always encouraged to pursue my interests, and this early passion for sports eventually led me to discover badminton, which became my true calling.

A Shuttle Time session in progress

First Encounter

I first encountered badminton through an unexpected turn of events. I was primarily focused on basketball. One day, a badminton coach attended one of my basketball games and noticed my agility and natural athleticism. After the game, he approached me and suggested that my left-handedness and unique skill set could be well-suited for badminton. He invited me to try it out, and I decided to take the opportunity.

After just three months of dedicated badminton training, I participated in my first tournament and ended up winning the Under-12 category. That early success fuelled my passion for the sport and solidified my decision to focus on badminton going forward.

First Impression

What immediately struck me about badminton when I first saw it was the sheer speed and precision required. Unlike the other sports I had played, badminton demanded a unique blend of explosive power and finesse. That the shuttle could travel so quickly yet change direction with a simple flick of the wrist fascinated me. It wasn’t just about brute strength but also about strategy, footwork, and anticipation. As a left-handed player, I quickly realised how much of an advantage my different angle of play could be in this fast-paced environment.

Shuttle Time in Egypt

Relationship with Badminton

After winning 1st place in the Under-12 category, I realized that badminton was more than just another sport for me — it became a passion. From that moment on, I committed myself to becoming a professional badminton player. My hard work paid off as I started competing in, and winning, numerous national and international tournaments, including championships across Africa and the Arab region. One of the proudest moments in my career was making history as the first Egyptian woman to qualify in the women’s doubles at the BWF World Championships. That achievement was a defining moment, not just for me but for the sport in my country, and it reinforced my dedication to badminton.

Memorable Events

Winning the first-ever medal for Egypt in badminton at the All-Africa Championships was  a huge achievement. It was special not just for me, but for the entire country. Another highlight was winning my first gold medal at the Arab Tournament, which was a milestone in my career. Qualifying for the World Championships was also an unforgettable experience, as it allowed me to represent Egypt on the global stage and achieve something historic for Egyptian badminton.

As a coach, I’ve been fortunate to experience some incredible moments as well. One of the proudest was when my team took the gold medal at the All-Africa Championships in juniors and seniors. Watching my players succeed and knowing that I played a role in their development was incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, helping many of my players qualify for the World Championships, and seeing one of them even reach the Youth Olympics, has been rewarding. These moments have solidified my love for badminton and my passion for helping the next generation of athletes achieve their dreams.

What Badminton Means

Badminton has become much more than just a sport for me; it’s a way of life. Over the years, badminton has shaped my identity both as an athlete and as a person. It taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to push through challenges, not just on the court but in life. Now, as a coach, badminton represents an opportunity to give back. It’s a platform where I can help nurture the next generation of players, guiding them through their own journeys, just as I was guided. It continues to inspire me to aim higher and help others do the same.

Developing Badminton in the Community

From the beginning, my focus was on making the sport accessible to everyone. I was able to establish regular coaching sessions, which not only improved the technical abilities of players but also fostered a sense of belonging and teamwork within the community. Witnessing players from our community participate in national tournaments and even qualify for international competitions has been an affirmation that our efforts are making a real impact.

Impact of Shuttle Time

The programme has played a pivotal role in promoting the sport at the grassroots level, offering structured and easy-to-follow resources that allow both kids and teachers to engage with badminton in a fun and educational way.

Through Shuttle Time, we’ve been able to create a strong foundation for badminton in the community by providing training to local teachers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to inspire the next generation of players. The programme has also emphasised the importance of physical activity, encouraging a more active lifestyle among youth. Additionally, it has created more opportunities for local talent to be identified and nurtured, leading to stronger participation in national tournaments.

Shuttle Time has shown me that when you remove barriers — whether it’s lack of equipment, facilities, or coaching — more people can experience and enjoy the game. It’s a sport that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age, ability, or background.

Previous Stories in This Series

Humans of Shuttle Time: Raul Jara Tacora

Humans of Shuttle Time: Lerato Lepheane

Humans of Shuttle Time: Genelyn Lansangan

Humans of Shuttle Time: Paulo Jerome Niniano Quidato

Humans of Shuttle Time: Josefa Matasau

Humans of Shuttle Time: Richard Gregory Wong

Humans of Shuttle Time: Alessandro Redaelli

Humans of Shuttle Time: Veronika Protassova

Humans of Shuttle Time: Robbert De Keijzer

Humans of Shuttle Time: Carolina M Vaughn

Humans of Shuttle Time: Sam Paterson

Humans of Shuttle Time: Deki Tshomo

Humans of Shuttle Time: Hadeel Mohammad Alomari

Humans of Shuttle Time: Daiverson Ferrari Rodrigues

Humans of Shuttle Time: Ammar Awad

Humans of Shuttle Time: Carolin Ruth

Humans of Shuttle Time: Caroline Brial

Humans of Shuttle Time: Danny Ten

Humans of Shuttle Time: Mohlala Mopeli

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