World Badminton Day: Broadening Horizons of Young Minds

World Badminton Day: Broadening Horizons of Young Minds

In celebration of World Badminton Day, over 100 children and young adults from seven care centres in Klang Valley participated in a CSR badminton clinic – and their responses revealed how much of a difference the sport could make.

Even those without any prior badminton experience were impressed. As Abdul Wahab, one of the young participants, said: “You should definitely try badminton because it’s one of the most fun sports I’ve ever tried — and I’ve tried many sports. I did not expect it to be this much fun and it’s amazing — honestly, it was an amazing experience.”

The clinic, held on 21 June 2025, was part of the BWF Malaysia Legacy Project. The clinic involved 105 children and young adults (60 male, 45 female) aged between 8 and 21, representatives of partner organisations, and 25 volunteers.

The volunteers consisted of seven BWF staff, three BWF coaches, and representatives from Malaysian Centre of Innovation in Voluntary Action (MIVA), Rotaract Club of Petaling Jaya (RCPJ) and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TARUMT).

The activity consisted of warm-up and sessions on grip technique, footwork, net play and clears. This was followed by game sessions and match play.

One of the children who had participated in the Malaysia Legacy Project since 2021 said playing badminton had made her more ambitious as she now wanted to represent her school. “I think badminton is a fun sport. Other than badminton, I participate in athletics and volleyball in school. I would like to share the message to everyone that badminton is the best and fun sport to play during your free time. I have thought of representing my school in badminton and hopefully I will have the opportunity.”

David Sharma, caregiver at Shelter Home for Children, explained that the clinic was important to widening the children’s experience.

“We want the kids to know that there are people outside there who can help to nurture them in sports and impact their lives as well. The children come from different backgrounds. So these events that BWF or other organisations conduct, it helps the children express from within and from there we know where they stand, including their character or their skills.”

BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul conveyed her wishes on celebrating the special occasion:

“World Badminton Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the sport we all love. Badminton is truly for everyone, to be enjoyed by all ages, both recreationally and competitively, and on courts that welcome people of all abilities. It also offers excellent health benefits, helping to improve physical fitness, coordination, and overall well-being. I am especially delighted that BWF marked this year’s occasion with children from seven care centres. It is through this meaningful gesture that badminton continues to shine as a sport of joy, inclusion, and endless possibility.”

Highlights of Activity

The attendees hailed from Mega Orang Asli Children Home, Praise Emmanuel Children Home, Living Water Learning Centre, Shelter Home for Children, Buku Jalanan Chow Kit, CWO Learning Centre, and PichaEats, while partners conducting the activity included BWF, HAIER, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TARUMT), Malaysian Centre of Innovation in Voluntary Action (MIVA), and Rotaract Club of Petaling Jaya (RCPJ).

As one of the volunteers said: “An important message that I would like to share to the world is badminton is a sport that everyone can enjoy together, it is a sport for all —  regardless of age, this can be for children, teenagers, adult and the elderly. Badminton can be a sport and a hobby that everyone can have in daily life.”

What They Said

“It’s a nice activity for the kids to come out, get to experience some kind of normal life. We are hoping that there could be more follow-up for them to enjoy and be out of their houses a bit more and interact with the community and each other a lot more.

“I used to play badminton in school. I found this game really fun and it’s an awesome team building game as well. I hope the children take away the fun part of the sport, also the discipline part of the sport, and team building.” – Patricia (Chef, PichaEats)

“I’ve always wanted to play badminton, but I don’t really have the equipment or the friends to do it because my friends don’t really play this game. I’m pretty sure after this I’m going to start playing badminton more.”  – Dana (PichaEats)

“I’m a social badminton player and I have not previously taught badminton to children, so this is my first time. I love badminton, therefore, this activity matches my passion in the sport; secondly, I would like to experience teaching children through sport. Previously I had the impression that teaching children was difficult and challenging but after the event, I feel that teaching children can be fun and positive.” – Yik Hou (Volunteer, MIVA)

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