SEIEE of SJTU and China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation 8 (CASTC8) had a fierce badminton competition recently held at the China Guangdong Nuclear Power Company (CGNPC).  This is the first competition for the newly formed SEIEE badminton team. The game was delayed for half an hour because of a technical problem but within minutes, the indoor basketball courts were transformed into four badminton courts and the games ensued.

The game officially began at 13:30. Two teams in four courts competed using the “wheel war” approach with hits, cheers and claps.

The game followed double forms. SEIEE had 8 teams (4 mixed and 4 men) who competed with the 9 teams from CASC8.

Even if the games were just for friendly competition, where winning or losing is not important, each team displayed one hundred percent fighting spirit, seriously serving, making smashes, and saving every point.  All competitors communicated with each other about strategies and tactics as if they were doing an academic research. Teachers present also showed their passion for badminton and showed admiration for the professional athletes.

After 72 games, with everyone tired and sweating but still wanting to play more, the two sides also arranged for a few demo games by sending their own seeds.  It is worth mentioning that in the final tournament, men above 45 years old participated.  Despite their age, they played a flexible, skilled, dynamic and youthful game that drew out praise from the audience. The charm of sports is to keep people energetic, young and healthy.

Overall, the contest not only won friendship among the players but also enhanced team unity.  Hopefully, it also emphasized the need to make people realize the importance of daily sports training. In the future, SEIEE will organize more communication games and build friendships through badminton as well as showcase SEIEE badminton athletes’performance.