In the weekend of 4 and 5 February, the Belgian championship badminton elite will be contested in Gembloux for players with level 1-2. Sisters Marie and Lisa Demeyere from Deerlijk are taking part. “We came second in doubles twice in a row. If possible, I would like to be first, but that will be difficult.”
This year, the BC is going to Wallonia, where the LFBB federation is responsible for the organization together with Orneau Bad Club. Marie Demeyere (24) is a PhD student at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Merelbeke. Lisa Demeyere (27) works as an educator in the disability sector. Following in the footsteps of a cousin, she started playing badminton and Marie followed in the footsteps. “That was in the third kindergarten and actually a year early. But it was possible because other family members were already playing,” says Marie.
The sisters always remained faithful to their club DZ99 in Deerlijk. Since this season, they combine the women’s team in the first league, or at the highest level in our country, with a competition in France, in Beauvais. “We start with DZ99 as the leader and without loss to the return round. Hopefully we can keep that up,” says Marie. “In our own country we are going for the title, in France we would like to obtain a PhD”, adds Lisa. “We are having fun there. It is great to meet other opponents with hopefully a promotion to third national where the level is higher.”
It is painful that top sports subsidies for badminton are being phased out
At the upcoming BC, Lisa and her sister are going for a place in the final. “We are ranked first and second in doubles, but we have to take into account Lisa Jacques, among others. She is a top sports player. She does a lot of international tournaments and those points are not included in the Belgian ranking.” Marie does not act in Gembloux alone. In mixed doubles she will be at the net for the first time with Tim Van Herbruggen of Lokerse BC. A good player who has already achieved a lot. Lisa will go for the singles, in which she hopes for a semi-final.”
Flemish Minister of Sport Ben Weyts decided last week to phase out the top sport subsidies from Sport Vlaanderen for badminton. A painful decision for everyone with a badminton heart and especially for players who are active internationally. “I spent a long time as a youth player in the national team and in the top sports school,” says Marie. “The financial support is really important to be able to do those international tournaments. If that is no longer possible, the level in our country will certainly drop. The parents cannot pay for this completely out of their own pocket. It will also be difficult for the development of young, talented badminton players. Because a lot of internships are organized abroad for them.” (ACR)
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