Sports' Update - W5

Just Barely On Time For My First Badminton Tournament

Last Saturday, I stepped onto the courts at Premier’s for a local badminton tournament — nervous, excited, and not entirely sure what to expect. Although I lost my first match, the experience was anything but disappointing. I walked off the court not with a trophy, but with a genuine smile, a head full of unforgettable memories, and a newfound passion for a sport I now can’t wait to keep playing.

Arrival

The day did not start well, I came to school at what I thought was the right time, just to find out not only had the bus left me, but others who had the wrong information, so I had to go to Premier quickly. I thought all was lost as my father, who had driven me to school, had little time due to work. I was luckily saved by my friend, whose dad drove me and some others to the tournament. When we arrived, we ran to the hall where the tournament was right as the host finished his opening speech. It was nerve-racking to find out that two others and I had not even been signed up, a feeling that quickly vanished after our Coach got all three of us spots in the tournament.

The Tournament

The tournament started on a high note as the school got a win, but was quickly followed by a loss. As the games continued, I got to see how a variety of people played the sport, something that has made me enjoy the sport even more. I was surprised to hear that our third match was two students from our school against each other, with these two people being who I believe are the best from our school. Even if I knew we would lose at least one of us, as it was a knockout tournament, it was fun to watch. As time went on, more and more people played, and it seemed as if I had been forgotten. This was something I was half okay with since I was still able to experience and watch all of the magnificent games. Eventually, my name was called, and I went and played.

The game was fun even though I lost the first match 2-21 and the second match 3-21; the matches were best two out of three, and I think I learned a lot. While the game drained me, I still enjoyed every bit of it, even if I was outclassed. After a few matches, we all went back to school - we might not have won, but we all had a good time.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about that day. From the frantic rush to make it on time, to the nerves of my first real match, to the thrill of watching others play with such skill — it was all part of an experience I’ll never forget. I may have lost on the scoreboard, but I gained something much more valuable: motivation, memories, and a deeper love for badminton.

By: Alfred Ripås

Year 10