Crestwood shuttlers thrash Strathfield

The Crestwood Badminton Association continues to prosper.

In a recent contest against Strathfield Korean Club, Crestwood won 12 of the 16 games played.

“All the players put in a tremendous effort,” Basker Ratnam, president of the club, told Indian Link

Representing the Crestwood Association were players Ajith Vargeese, Madan Alagarajah, Hitesh Bansal, Diwakar Gaur, Satish Dhond, Adil Khan, Jinaraj Kombilath, Vickram Soni, Prashant Panda, Sandip Khanal, Nevi Ratten, Viji Iyer and Annie Kavanakudi. They were coached by Manoj Kumar while Basker Ratnam and Palani Velan served as team managers. The players proudly wore t-shirts supplied by sponsor Value Green Slips Pty Ltd, Parramatta, NSW.

While badminton may not be hugely popular in the mainstream sport scene, it is quite wellliked in the Indian community in Sydney.

A few social clubs have sprung up in recent years which provide opportunities for badminton enthusiasts to practise their sport.

One such, the Crestwood club in the Hills district, has been doing much to keep interest in the sport alive. It was founded in 1991 under the leadership of Kumar Pathmanathan, and Basker Ratnam now continues to promote the sport.

“The club has 72 active members of all age groups, primarily from the Indian sub-continent, and even a few Australian participants,” Basker told Indian Link. “Club members play at Girraween High School three times a week, through the year - on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.”

Members pay a nominal fee which goes towards the cost of hire and equipment, as well as tournaments. Twice a year tournaments are organised – trophies and certificates are presented to winners. Often other clubs are challenged to matches as well, such as the most recent tournament.

Basker explains that the Badminton club is a not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to bringing members of the community together to play badminton, which is also a street game in many parts of Indian subcontinent.

“My motivation,” explains Basker, “is to serve the community and migrants, which gives me an immense sense of satisfaction”. The club also helps with procuring badminton gear.

Players have a wonderful rapport between them, and there is a sense of genuine caring. The game itself helps reduce stress from everyday life, and is a great social meeting ground for members of the community. Basker is supported by his wife Latha; senior club members help organise social events.

The Crestwood Badminton’s 6th internal Tournament will be held on Tuesday 24 November 2009 at Giraween High School. The final match and presentation ceremony will be held on 10 December 2009. The Tournament is sponsored by Mr Neni Tiwary, Director of Value Green Slips Pty Ltd, Parramatta, NSW. Outsiders interested in watching the games are welcome. (Please note children are not allowed due to safety reasons). For more details, give Basker a call on 0409 99 6509.