Successful Oceania tourny
Badminton Geelong members and staff rose to the occasion to ensure a successful Victor Oceania Badminton Championships for 2024.
Despite having only a little over two months to pull the event together, the organisation responded admirably.
Originally slated for Melbourne, the host city was switched to Geelong when a series of major events were scheduled in Victoria’s capital.
Not only was the Geelong Badminton Centre teeming with players, officials, volunteers and spectators, the event at times took over much of the Leisuretime Sports Precinct indoor stadiums and ancillary rooms.
Badminton Geelong worked closely with the administration from Badminton Oceania which took the lead in running the actual competitions, supported by a host of volunteers.
Local badminton players were excited to witness hometown hero Jacob Schueler play on the courts he trod as a junior. Schueler won bronze in the men’s individual competition and anchored the Australian team to a 4-1 win over New Zealand in the teams competition.
Badminton Geelong Sports Development and Facilities Coordinator, Naman Bhardwaj, paid tribute to the volunteer efforts.
“Our volunteers demonstrated exceptional dedication, hard work and enthusiasm throughout the week,” Bhardwaj said.
“The manner in which everyone pulled together to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the event shows that Badminton Geelong is more than capable of running major sports events.”
Badminton Geelong president Peter Brown, himself a tireless volunteer during the event, said the volunteer contribution made a lasting impact, not only on the championships but also on everyone involved. “We will work hard to leverage the success of this event to promote Badminton across Geelong.”
From the Board:
New singles and doubles competitions are planned to be introduced later in term one.
The current competitions – on Monday and Thursday evenings – are usually fully subscribed so the extra competitions will enable more members to participate. Further announcements soon.
Veterans tournament
Hard on the heels of the successful Victor Oceania Championships came the annual Geelong veteran’s tournament, with a record 56 teams entered.
Geelong entered five teams, with all competitive across the two-day event.
A monster raffle saw players taking home some terrific prizes to boot.
The Geelong Vets filled four stadiums
A chat with Jacob Schueler
By John Van Klaveren
Longer-term Badminton Geelong members readily recall a talented 12 year old junior already making his mark in senior competitions.
So they are always excited by the return of the now strapping young man blasting his way across badminton courts around the world.
The world 168 ranked Jacob Schueler says he is always happy to be home – especially when there’s a major championship on his doorstep.
“Being at home is a plus and a minus,” Jacob confessed. “It’s great to have the family and Geelong support.
“But the downside is I put extra pressure on myself, because I want to live up to people’s expectations and repay the support I’ve received over the years.”
It’s the mental side of competition that he says is still a learning curve, even anchoring the Australian team at the recent Victor Oceania Championships in Geelong.
“I was generally happy with my performance at Oceania, although disappointed not to make the final,” Jacob said.
“But it’s been a solid work out, and the win in the teams event was great.”
It means Australia will compete at the Thomas and Uber Cups, the world badminton teams competition to be held in Chengdu, China, at the end of April, and Jacob says if selected, he is looking forward to the challenge.
“Australia is not one of the top badminton nations, so we have to play like there’s nothing to lose,” Jacob assessed.
“It’s a bit like a junior playing against seniors,” he smiled. “You just have to embrace the moment.”
Jacob in action at the Oceania Championships.
Photo: Badminton Oceania/Paul Foxall
The AGM needs you!
All members are encouraged to attend the Badminton Geelong Annual General Meeting.
Members will decide on nominations for three vacant Board positions.
The board plays a vital role in shaping the direction of Badminton Geelong, as it strives to represent the views of all members.
The Board is especially committed to diversity and inclusion, particularly encouraging female members, aiming to achieve a balanced gender representation on the board.
AGM Details: – Date: March 14th, 2024 – Time: 6:30 pm – Venue: Betty Sapwell Lounge
We look forward to seeing you at the AGM and appreciate your support.
Become a Badminton Geelong member and receive great discounts on court hire, racquets and gear in the Pro Shop, plus sports insurance. Members automatically become members of Badminton Victoria. Go to Badminton Geelong Membership for more information and apply online.
