TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — A club sport that has made a “racket” with international students and American students alike has made its return this fall.

Originally from India, badminton became popular across Europe in the 1800s. At Troy, badminton is famous among students from around the world. Since 2016, Troy’s Badminton Club has been a way for both international and American students to hang out, have a good time and of course, play badminton.

“It’s been a communal spot for international students to come hang out,” said Brooke Walton, President of the Badminton Club and Senior Early Childhood Education Major from Smiths Station, Alabama. “[They can] find community amongst people from both within and outside their country.

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“For Americans, [they] to get to know people from outside their country and it’s good to stay active.”

Vu Kieu, a student from Hanoi, Vietnam and a senior Business Administration major, says the club has helped him make friends and play a sport he’s enjoyed since he was a child. 

“I’m kind of shy talking to the new guys, so this club helped me improve that,” said Kieu. “When I arrived in the U.S., I was afraid they didn’t play badminton here, but luckily, they have.”

The Badminton Club plans to participate in two tournaments this semester, with one on Oct. 10 and one during this year’s International Education Week.

“Last year we had some schools from Alabama like The University of Alabama and West Alabama,” said Andrew McKown, an ESL Instructor. “We’re also going to get a couple more schools to come in, so we’re going to have a big tournament.”

The Badminton Club holds practices every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6-9 p.m. in the Wright Hall gym. For more information about any upcoming events or about the club itself, you can visit its Instagram page here or email them at badmintonclub@troy.edu.