The Badminton World Federation’s Humans of Shuttle Time series highlights those who are developing badminton at the grassroots level. This month, the BWF highlights Parisa Afshar. A Shuttle Time Tutor from Australia, Parisa’s passion for badminton only continued to grow when she began coaching.
Childhood Days
I grew up in a small family with my parents and younger brother. I was an active child and enjoyed trying different sports through school programmes. Although I was physically active, my focus was always on studying.
That said, I have fond memories of playing badminton casually with my mum during family picnics in the park. Our games were simple. We used basic rackets and plastic shuttles, and spent most of the time just trying to hit the shuttle back and forth. If the wind wasn’t too strong, we’d play for hours. Those moments were joyful and light-hearted, and unknowingly sparked a love for badminton that stayed with me into adulthood.
I had known about badminton from a young age, mostly as a casual game played outdoors during picnics or in the park. But it wasn’t until I was a teenager that I learned from a family member that badminton was also played competitively, indoors, and on proper courts. That idea fascinated me, it was a whole new side of the sport I hadn’t seen before.
At the time, I was focused on my studies and didn’t have access to nearby facilities, so I didn’t pursue it. That changed after I graduated from university and started working. I was lucky to move close to a large badminton-specific stadium and to work for a company that offered various sports classes. I chose badminton and began learning formally under the guidance of excellent coaches. Watching national-level players train in the same venue was incredibly inspiring and strengthened my passion for the game.
I’ve also been fortunate to have my husband’s full support, his encouragement has meant a lot (my first proper racket was a gift from him), especially with all the after-hours I’ve spent on court pursuing something I truly love.
Early Impressions
What struck me most about badminton when I first saw it played competitively was the speed, skill, and precision involved. Seeing it played on a proper court with such agility and control was eye-opening.
The way players moved so quickly yet gracefully, the powerful smashes, the tactical rallies—it all fascinated me. I was especially impressed by how much strategy and fitness the sport required. It wasn’t just about hitting the shuttle, it was about reading the game, anticipating moves, and staying mentally sharp. That first real glimpse of badminton as a serious, competitive sport made me want to learn more and be part of it.
When I started playing badminton as an adult, I put a lot of energy into learning the game properly. I trained three times a week, starting from scratch. Some techniques were challenging and took a lot of practice and persistence, but I never got discouraged.
Along the way, I’ve met so many wonderful people from different backgrounds, and those connections have made the journey even more special. Badminton has become a big part of my life. It keeps me active, motivated, and connected, and I still enjoy every moment I spend on court.
Memorable Events
One of the highlights of my badminton journey was representing my company in the National Iranian Oil Company tournaments—first as a player, and later as a team manager for the junior team. Competing and supporting others in their development brought me immense pride.
These experiences sparked my interest in coaching, leading me to earn my first Coaching Certificate from the Iran Badminton Federation. It was a pivotal moment that helped me transition from player to coach, fuelled by my passion and the encouragement of my community.
Relationship with Badminton
Even with a demanding career as an engineer, I’ve always made time for badminton because I love the sport and am committed to helping it grow both on and off the court. Coaching and playing have also given me the incredible opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and abilities, which has been an awesome and enriching experience.
What Badminton Means
To me, badminton is more than just a sport. it’s a space for growth, belonging, and joy. It offers a healthy lifestyle, brings people together, and continually teaches resilience, focus, and teamwork. It’s a source of energy and inspiration in my life.
What I love most is how accessible it is, we don’t need expensive equipment or a huge space to start, making it a great sport for all ages and backgrounds. Plus, badminton fosters a strong sense of community and teamwork. It’s competitive yet inclusive, challenging but fun, and that balance makes it truly special.
Developing Badminton
I’ve had the opportunity to coach children from diverse backgrounds and abilities, helping introduce them to the sport through fun and engaging sessions. Using Shuttle Time, I’ve worked with schools and local clubs to make badminton accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
I’ve also delivered Shuttle Time training to teachers, empowering them to confidently teach badminton to their students. It’s inspiring to see how badminton can bring people together, build confidence in kids, and encourage a lifelong love of physical activity.
Despite balancing a busy career, being able to contribute to badminton’s growth in the community gives me great satisfaction. It’s about more than just the sport, it’s about fostering inclusion, teamwork, and healthy habits in people’s lives.
Impact of Shuttle Time
From my point of view, Shuttle Time has made a significant difference in my region by increasing the number of people trained to deliver badminton in schools and clubs. This has helped introduce the sport to many children who might not otherwise have had the chance to play.
Shuttle Time’s focus on fun, inclusivity, and age-appropriate coaching means kids are not only learning badminton skills but also developing confidence, teamwork, and a love for physical activity. Shuttle Time has created a supportive community of coaches and teachers who are passionate about growing badminton at the grassroots level, making the sport more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Lessons from Shuttle Time
Shuttle Time has had a transformative impact on me as a coach. It helped me understand how to simplify the game for beginners and create sessions that are enjoyable and educational for kids.
Shuttle Time taught me that great coaching isn’t just about drills and skills, it’s about creating joy, inclusion, and using well-planned games to teach badminton techniques in a fun and engaging way. I’ve learned to adapt sessions for children of all backgrounds and skill levels, building a positive and supportive environment where kids feel encouraged to explore and grow.
As a Shuttle Time Tutor, I’ve had the privilege of training teachers from diverse backgrounds, sharing knowledge while learning from their perspectives. I always emphasise making sessions fun, safe, and inclusive because when sport is enjoyable and accessible, children are much more likely to stay active and keep coming back.
