Badminton is a singles and doubles racquet sport new to Dimond.

Although it was introduced as a club, it will still maintain all the competition and the intensity of the actual sport.

Badminton is popular in Malaysia, and as a matter of fact it is the country’s national sport. Justin Raj, President of the Dimond Badminton Club, is from Malaysia, and badminton is a big deal to him as well as many students at Dimond.

Badminton in Malaysia isn’t the backyard activity it is here. It’s very competitive. Raj said he “would play for about four hours a day, every day.”

He has played for eight years, and was taught by a nationally ranked coach so

he’s more than qualified to be president.

Raj’s love for the sport inspired him to start a badminton club here.

Carrie Smith, Dimond’s Registrar and the club sponsor, met Raj during Dimond Night Live, where he ran the soundboard. He came to her and asked if he could start a badminton club, and even though she knew nothing about the sport, she agreed.

Raj knows all the official rules of badminton and is willing to teach everyone who joins the correct form and the rules of the game.

Badminton Club will be held after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the small gym.

Equipment will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own.

So far, 12 students have signed up, and the club hopes to have more.

Smith said, “Most of the kids are from tennis because their season ends soon and its a racquet sport as well.”

Smith said everyone is welcome.

Smith also said she “would like to thank Mrs. [Carey] Miknich for helping with the

equipment, and Mr. [Tim] Helvey, the activities principal for being very helpful in setting up the club.”