Former Sri Lankan badminton champion Sriyani Deepika has an ambitious vision to greatly raise the profile of the sport she’s so passionate about in the UAE.
That passion has been manifested in Deepika’s Badminton Academy, located in Dubai and offering coaching for all ages, as well as leagues for adults.
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When Deepika arrived in the UAE in 2012, starting a badminton academy was never the initial plan. In fact, she was hoping to continue her banking career, but was pushed into opening her own badminton academy with the encouragement of her husband.
Deepika found the sport she now loves in a similar manner. At the age of 12, despite her interest in running, she was convinced to try badminton by one of her teachers. She took badminton by storm and at the age of 19 was named the junior national champion of Sri Lanka.
Since opening her academy two years ago, Deepika has been searching for and trying to mould untapped talent in the UAE. Though she focuses on reaching Emirati boys and girls to enable their participation in future international tournaments, the academy welcomes all and has a diverse range of players.
“There are a lot of different players. About 90 per cent are Indians, but there are also UK players, Danish players, Malaysian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean players,” Deepika said. “It’s only been two years since I’ve opened my academy. I hope in the future, hopefully three to four years, it will be very successful because I’m very passionate about badminton.”
The academy holds coaching sessions Fridays and Saturdays at Jumeirah Model Girls School and Dubai Stars Sportsplex. Adults who are interested in the league can come and play with the group players on three courts.
Working to Deepika’s advantage in increasing the sport’s presence in the region is the number of facilities available for badminton.
“I have seen a lot of Emirati schools take part in badminton. As ladies, it’s an indoor game so they’re happy they don’t have to play outside. Dubai is a hot country,” Deepika said.
“Dubai, compared to my country, has super facilities. The indoor courts are huge. The only thing we have to do is give a push to Emiratis and other nationalities.”
Another factor that has benefited the sport’s growth in the UAE is Dubai’s hosting of the Badminton World Superseries Finals, first brought in 2014 and returning this December.
While badminton might not be at the height of popularity right now in terms of UAE sports, Deepika is hopeful for the future.
“Dubai is very crazy about football. When I go to my country, you can see kids are always holding a cricket bat because cricket is very famous,” she added. “When I go outside here, after five or six years, I’d like to see all the kids have badminton racquets.”
What: Deepika’s Badminton Club
Founded: 2013
Geared towards: Badminton enthusiasts
When & where: Friday and Saturdays at Jumeirah Model Girls School and Dubai Stars Sportsplex
Contact & info: Visit www.badminton-dubai.com for more information
