I’ve been learning badminton for about a year and recently played my first mixed doubles tournament. We lost badly, as expected, but it was a valuable experience.
I started learning badminton in June 2025, partly inspired by Blue Box, but mainly because I wanted a sport I could continue playing as I grow older. I began with casual group lessons with my family, before moving to weekly private lessons in December 2025. Since June 2026, I’ve also been joining doubles sessions for upper beginners and lower intermediate players.
I was the weakest player in the group and lost nearly every match. That was true even against players who were older or less fit than I was. It was a humbling experience.
One challenge for adult learners is our ego. We tend to expect faster results and set higher expectations for ourselves. In reality, many skills take much longer to develop than we anticipate. We are also too serious at times, which makes it harder to relax and learn things through our body.
I generally avoid comparing myself with others and prefer learning at my own pace. But unlike piano or drawing, badminton is inherently competitive, so progress is often measured against other players. Since my physical abilities will likely decline with age, I also feel a greater sense of urgency to improve while I still can. Mentally, this makes badminton more challenging than my artistic pursuits.
I don’t mind losing or being the weakest player on court. What I dislike is feeling like a burden to my partner or being lectured by players who may not be exceptional but currently perform better than I do. I also recognize that many players have years, if not decades, of experience. Some began playing as children and have continued ever since, making it unlikely that I will ever catch up.
The encouraging part is that my view appears to be correct that, in badminton, technique and skill often matter more than fitness. Many players in their 50s and 60s can beat me comfortably without being exceptionally fit. If I continue improving, perhaps I can become one of those good amateur players in my 50s or 60s, hopefully with the added advantage of better fitness. This is quite different from basketball, where height and athleticism play a much larger role.
Being an adult learner means accepting that you will look bad and start from the bottom. It can be disheartening. Sometimes you wonder why you choose to compete in a field where others have such a large head start. Pursuits with financial rewards or social status are often easier to justify, but hobbies are optional.
Even so, I see badminton as a long-term investment. The game is fun, both playing casually with family and friends, or competitively with good players. In five or ten years, I should be a much better player than I am today. I may never catch those who have been playing for decades, but I can continue improving and become the best player I am capable of becoming.
P.S. Book note on Viktor Axelsen.
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