Ottawa can now boast of having a very special badminton champion. Kaï Haché, a student from the Jules-Léger Center, won three medals at the Canada Deaf Games.
The 20-year-old won silver medals in the men’s doubles and mixed doubles, before being crowned the country’s singles champion.
I felt good. I was happy! I was happy to win. I had great games with everyone. I was very excited to win medals, explains the athlete, met at the end of training.
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Kai Haché started playing badminton just three years ago.
The most surprising thing is that the champion took up badminton seriously barely three years ago.
I was playing for fun, then a coach from the Canadian deaf team asked me to continue [davantage]. I decided to find a club and train more to progress, says Kaï Haché, who has progressed a lot since then.
I was very focused during the tournament. I stayed calm and didn’t panic when I lost a point. You have to go back to win.
A quote from Kaï Haché, Canadian deaf badminton champion
When he went to the competition in Toronto a few weeks ago, the player didn’t have in mind winning medals. His trainer, William Lee, was therefore pleasantly surprised by his success.
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William Lee is Kai Haché’s trainer.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Jonathan Jobin
I didn’t even think he could get a bronze medal, says his mentor. At the same time, he is a special student. He is so committed. No matter what he is taught, he absorbs it and learns.
Lee does not hide his joy at seeing his student progress so much. I really want to offer him my most sincere congratulations! I wish him all the best for the future.
Deafness that is not a hindrance
Victory of the singles title opens the doors to the biggest competitions for Kaï Haché. He will be able to represent Canada at the Pan American Deaf Games in Brazil next fall.
I’m very excited to participate. I can’t wait to participate and see other deaf athletes, like me, who play [au niveau] professional, says Kaï Haché. I will be a good role model for Canada.
If he shines during the Pan-Americans, the young man could even go to the Deaf Olympic Games which will be held in Japan in 2026.
He says he was adopted at a very young age by his parents Daniel and Marie-Lise Haché before moving to Ottawa in 2007 to attend the Center Jules-Léger. Born without ears, Kaï Haché can hear thanks to a cochlear implant, but he speaks in French, English and Quebec sign language (LSQ).
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Deaf badminton player Kaï Haché trains at least twice every week.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Jonathan Jobin
My deafness is not a body problem or a disability. I have a hearing problem, but I can play normally. It’s normal!
Amid the dizzying noise of shuttlecocks being hit at a relentless pace in the gym, his coach has no problem communicating with his athlete.
When I transfer my knowledge, I use several gestures to give my instructions. I talk and show him the positions. I see it absorbs more. I have no difficulty working with him, insists William Lee.
Kaï Haché now wants to inspire young athletes, deaf or not, to follow in his footsteps.
I want them to be able to follow my path to progress well and have the same development. They can find good support to achieve their goals, the athlete persists, speaking with his hands.
Because whatever our dreams, Kaï Haché reminds us that they can come true, in French, in English, or in LSQ.
2024-05-28 10:15:28
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