Staff Writer Iona Rae writes about the Varsity badminton game.
With great performances from both UCL and King’s athletes, the 2026 badminton Varsity was definitely not one to miss. Unfortunately, this season has seen the Reds lose most of their games, leading to a turnout in favour of UCL. Going into the game, players of the KCL first team were not very optimistic about their chances. When asked about how he prepared for his game, a KCL men’s player sardonically replied that all he did was shower and shave his moustache.
Despite this, they ultimately put up a good fight against UCL, which entered Varsity with a very strong team. All that being said, this year’s varsity showcased proficient displays in badminton that anyone even remotely interested in the sport would find a pleasure to watch.
Singles
The teams played a total of four singles games, two for each gender. The state of the players after the games showed that they were hard-fought, as many came out after their face-offs sweaty and out of breath, gulping down water and energy drinks in a manner that spoke of just how intense the sport is. The swoosh and fwap of rackets filled the room as players hit their shuttlecocks with all their power – or sometimes with smart plays that forced their opponents to sprint across the court.
King’s students will be disappointed to hear that three of the four singles games were won by UCL. Despite all of the Red’s best efforts, UCL won both the Men’s games and one of the Women’s games. Yet, the fact that KCL was able to keep the games at fairly close scores was still an impressive feat, especially since one of the players on the UCL Men’s team is one of England’s top ten highest-ranked players.
The breakout star of the singles games was the KCL badminton president, Amelia. Ranked in the top ten of England herself, Amelia gave her opponent no opportunity to rest. Her powerful hits left her opponent struggling to keep up, and there was almost no play she could not defend. She won her first set 5-21 and the second one 9-21. With the sheer skill Amelia demonstrated, it was surprising that her opponent was even able to get points in.
DOUBLES
Similar to the singles games, the teams played two matches for each gender. Sadly, results-wise, the games also ended in a similar fashion as KCL failed to win any of their games. However, the sets were very competitive, indicating the potential for a win next year. Both duos seemed perfectly in tune with each other. From the outside, it almost looked like they had a choreography planned out because of just how well they covered each other’s backs.
“It was a tough lineup to start with but I think we all pulled through. We tried our hardest. All our sets were really close.” – Emily, KCL Women’s Badminton First Team Player
MIXED
The mixed games were the most exciting to watch out of the three. The teams played three games, though unfortunately, KCL lost all of them. Regardless, the fast-paced nature of the sport, combined with the cheers from fans as the duos expertly volleyed the shuttles, made for a high-energy environment. Spectators, mostly supporters from KCL’s other badminton teams, oohed and aahed at the last-minute saves and devastating blows as players slammed the shuttlecock at each other.
The game that garnered the most spectators was that of the duo Amelia and Michalis. Undoubtedly, two of the best players of their team, Michalis and Amelia, kept spectators’ hearts racing with the vigour and speed they displayed. Michalis’ defensive prowess and Amelia’s strength, as well as her unmatched game IQ, made for a formidable team. Their’s was also the closest game of the day, with both sets ending 19-21.
“There were a good few sets. They were good games – better than we expected. Thank you for everyone coming to support us. We’ll get them next year!” – Amelia, President of KCL Badminton
Though the results did not go quite the way most King’s students would have hoped for, the badminton Varsity was still an enjoyable event for all and a brilliant opportunity to watch some really good badminton. Roar wishes KCL badminton the best of luck in their future tournaments.
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