The Olympic Games touch and inspire millions, if not billions, around the world. I am among the inspired. Indonesia claimed 3 of its 5 Olympic medals in their beloved sport of
bulutangkis, including the stunning 2-1 thriller over the mighty Chinese to claim the the men's doubles gold. With a touch of cockiness, Marcus Kido said "we just weren't quite warmed up in the first game." Indonesia doesn't have much else to be cocky about in the sports world, but when it comes to badminton, they expect to excel. And excellence inspires, even to an American who grew up with the idea that a net dividing the players meant that they weren't manly enough to play a contact sport. But a smashed birdie, able to fly nearly as fast as 200mph, is very, very manly.
After playing off and on for a couple years in college, I've taken up badminton more seriously here in Indonesia. There's still a lot of progress to be made, but I'm playing 1-2 times per week, slowing increasing the power of my smash and honing my backhand. Playing badminton with friends is one of the highlights of my week. When I get home I want to see if my dad will clear out his shed/garage and let me set up an indoor court. We'll see how that flies...
The Olympic Games touch and inspire millions, if not billions, around the world. I am among the inspired. Indonesia claimed 3 of its 5 Olympic medals in their beloved sport of bulutangkis, including the stunning 2-1 thriller over the mighty Chinese to claim the the men's doubles gold. With a touch of cockiness, Marcus Kido said "we just weren't quite warmed up in the first game." Indonesia doesn't have much else to be cocky about in the sports world, but when it comes to badminton, they expect to excel. And excellence inspires, even to an American who grew up with the idea that a net dividing the players meant that they weren't manly enough to play a contact sport. But a smashed birdie, able to fly nearly as fast as 200mph, is very, very manly.
After playing off and on for a couple years in college, I've taken up badminton more seriously here in Indonesia. There's still a lot of progress to be made, but I'm playing 1-2 times per week, slowing increasing the power of my smash and honing my backhand. Playing badminton with friends is one of the highlights of my week. When I get home I want to see if my dad will clear out his shed/garage and let me set up an indoor court. We'll see how that flies...