About the Author
I am so proud of the improvement Arnav has made in his writing. This writing is not perfect, but it demonstrates what is possible with a commitment to one's goals. When he first started lessons with me, Arnav struggled to organize his paragraphs. He also used highly informal language in his academic writings. Now, he is writing essays that are more focused and academic. What I find most striking about Arnav's writing, is the clear structure he has maintained throughout his exploration of badminton's benefits.
This piece of writing is a testament to how far he has come. Please join me in congratulating Arnav in the comment section below!
--Dustin Stevens, Arnav's Online Writing Tutor
The Benefits of Playing Badminton
by Arnav N.
It is a beautiful sunny afternoon, and your eyes are fixed on the opponent’s shuttle. You hear a loud thud as your opponent’s badminton racket hits the shuttle, and the game begins. An hour in, you and your opponents are dripping in sweat faster than a NASCAR vehicle. Suddenly, you feel a rush of adrenaline flowing through your body, and you take the last hit with all your might. The crowd cheers on as the match ends. What is this feeling--this feeling of victory? Such exhilarating competition is not uncommon for professional badminton tournaments. However, apart from getting an amazing workout, there is much more to the sport. Badminton can also improve reflexes and social skills around others.
The History of Badminton
Just like most sports, badminton has a rich history. According to uh.edu, badminton originated in India in the 1870s. It was originally called Poona. In the year 1873, British officers from India reinvented the sport, and brought it back to their home country. The Duke of Beaufort later announced this new sport in his hometown, with the name of badminton. He did this by holding a “Badminton house Lawn party,” which was solely dedicated to the creation of badminton. After 1873, the sport travelled to other countries, making badminton a sport played internationally.
Badminton and the Body
When playing long term, badminton will positively impact your body. For instance, badminton improves muscle strength, lowers cholesterol levels, and improves heart function. This is due to the high intensity. In fact, badminton shuttles can travel up to speeds of 200 mph! The high speeds and high intensity involve running and jumping, resulting in improved heart efficiency. An efficient heart allows blood to be pumped quicker, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain. These benefits are able to reduce the risk of heart attack and lead to a healthy brain. Physical benefits are a major key to a sport; however, badminton can also provide other benefits, such as the look it has on one’s college resume.
Badminton and College Applications
Colleges are looking for well-rounded students with both academic and non-academic capabilities. Playing sports is one of the various ways to show colleges non-academic skills as playing sports can reflect on crucial skills that are significant in the real world, for example collaboration, communication, and thinking skills. Colleges will view these capabilities as crucial skills, as colleges will most likely admit students who promote healthy community. Badminton is one sport that helps boost one’s physical and mental strength, as it increases muscle strength and through time, teaches one perseverance. In other words playing badminton at a professional level can show your college you are a well-rounded student.
Badminton is a fast-paced sport that is suitable for all ages. It offers a full body workout. However, this is not the only benefit the sport has to offer. Badminton is also great for college resumes as colleges look for students who have skills beyond the classroom. Yet perhaps the most significant lesson that badminton can teach its players is perseverance, and how to work through challenges.