This is the 63rd 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. Sayfulnasr Keeshar Mohammed Alaqeebi, Shuttle Time Tutor with Libyan Badminton Federation, speaks about his journey in badminton:
Childhood Days
I was born and raised in Benghazi in a middle class family. I completed my primary and secondary education there and developed an interest in sports from a young age.
First Experience of Badminton
I first saw badminton during a training course held in the capital, Tripoli, and it immediately caught my interest. What struck me most about badminton when I first saw it was its speed, agility, and the high level of coordination required between movement and technique.
I developed a great passion for the sport. I started playing with friends and eventually pursued formal training and coaching certification. Badminton has become a central part of my life, contributing to both my personal and professional development. I am now a certified coach of the sport.

A Shuttle Time programme in Libya
Memorable Moments
Some of my most notable achievements in badminton include participating in local tournaments, winning my first championship as a coach, and attending training courses and workshops. Meeting other players, coaches, and mentors was a great source of inspiration; they helped me improve my skills and encouraged me to continue my career as a coach.
Badminton means a lot to me; it is not just a sport, but a way of life. It has shaped my discipline, improved my physical fitness, and taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. It is also my profession, as I am now a certified coach, helping others discover and enjoy the sport.
What Makes it Different
Badminton is different from other sports because of its combination of speed, agility, precision, and strategy. It requires not only physical fitness but also quick thinking, sharp reflexes, and excellent hand-eye coordination. Unlike many sports, it can be played both recreationally and competitively by people of all ages, making it versatile and inclusive.
Developing Badminton in the Community
I worked with young players to teach them the basics, improve their skills, and encourage them to participate in tournaments. Engaging with the community has been very rewarding, as I have seen many children gain confidence, teamwork, and a love for the sport. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to developing badminton and nurturing future talents.
Impact of Shuttle Time
Shuttle Time has helped introduce badminton to the local community, increasing participation, and training and motivating young people to get active and play the sport.
The biggest lesson I have learned from working with Shuttle Time is the importance of patience, communication, and encouragement when teaching and motivating young players. I have also realised how sports can positively impact communities by building confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills among children.
Previous Stories in This Series
Humans of Shuttle Time: Andrii Ohnystyi
Humans of Shuttle Time: Gouzou Matthieu
Humans of Shuttle Time: Lorenzo Torres
Humans of Shuttle Time: Gabriel Martin
Humans of Shuttle Time: Alžbeta Peruňská
Humans of Shuttle Time: Yacin Mahmoud Ali
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
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
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Humans of Shuttle Time: Robbert De Keijzer
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