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Humans of Shuttle Time: Yacin Mahamoud Ali

TEXT BY BWF STAFF

This is the 57th 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. Yacin Mahamoud Ali, Shuttle Time National Coordinator with Djibouti Badminton Federation, speaks about his journey in badminton.

Childhood Years

My childhood was marked by challenges that could have been seen as insurmountable obstacles but, over time, turned into strengths. Coming from a middle-class family in Djibouti, I grew up in an environment where hard work and perseverance were essential values. However, our family balance was profoundly shaken by the loss of my mother when I was nine years old. It was the most difficult ordeal of my life.

Shuttle Time in Djibouti

This tragedy not only left an immense void but also had an unexpected impact on my development. Until the age of ten, I hardly spoke. My family was worried, fearing that I would never be able to express myself like other children. But, as if by a miracle, after my mother’s passing, I suddenly found my voice. That immense pain seemed to have unlocked something within me, pushing me to open up to the world.

Despite this initial delay, I excelled at school. From a young age, I understood that to move forward, I had to fight. Beyond school, sports quickly took a central place in my life. As soon as I entered middle school, I enrolled in a private football academy at Djibouti Stadium. I accumulated several medals and distinctions. I also excelled in cycling. However, an injury forced me to step away from football. It was a tough period since sports had become my escape. That was when badminton entered my life.

Tryst with Badminton

After my injury forced me away from football, I was in search of a new challenge — a sport where I could express my passion and energy. It was in my second year of high school that fate led me to a discipline I had only heard of by name: badminton. During a talent scouting event, Moussa Daher Kaireh, president of the Djibouti Badminton Federation, saw something in me. He handed me a racket, and without even realising it, I was about to embark on a new adventure. That day, I also had the opportunity to meet influential figures: the Minister of Sports, several government officials, and most notably, President of the Republic himself. I realised that badminton was much more than just a sport.

Yacin Mahamoud Ali

First Impressions

From my very first rallies, I was struck by the speed of the game. Badminton required instant reactions. What impressed me the most was the fluidity and elegance of the sport. I was immediately fascinated by the complexity of the shuttlecock’s trajectories and how a simple flick of the wrist could completely alter the course of a rally. But beyond the technical aspect, what truly won me over was the sense of freedom I felt on the court.

Relationship with Badminton

I had the opportunity to participate in intensive training sessions and was even selected to represent Djibouti in competitions and sporting events. Badminton became a way of life. It taught me discipline, patience, and perseverance. It also allowed me to meet incredible people, exchange ideas with athletes and coaches from different backgrounds.

Impact of Shuttle Time in Djibouti

In Djibouti, Shuttle Time represents a unique opportunity to structure youth training and promote the sport where it was previously unknown. Thanks to Shuttle Time, more children have access to sports, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Before Shuttle Time, badminton was marginal in Djibouti. Now, it is gaining visibility, media coverage and institutional support. With Shuttle Time, Djibouti is connecting with global badminton networks, fostering international training, competitions and partnerships.

One of the most unforgettable moments of my journey has been introducing badminton to children who had never held a racket before.

Previous Stories in This Series

Humans of Shuttle Time: Asylbek uulu Meerbek

Humans of Shuttle Time: Anil Seepaul

Humans of Shuttle Time: Kazadi Kazadi Joel

Humans of Shuttle Time: Wilma Tupu

Humans of Shuttle Time: Laia Oset Moncho

Humans of Shuttle Time: Aisarova Jasmin

Humans of Shuttle Time: Saygufron Davletov

Humans of Shuttle Time: Rafael Lora

Humans of Shuttle Time: Graham Berry

Humans of Shuttle Time: Alaa Mohamed Youssef Fathy