Huesca, Spain – Badminton Huesca is experiencing a golden era, a resurgence that club president Ricardo Constante describes as reaching “the summit” after decades of dedication. The club’s recent return to the Liga de División de Honor – Spain’s top badminton league – coupled with the emergence of promising young talent, signals a latest chapter for the historic club. The team is currently enjoying a high level of competition, with strong attendance and a vibrant atmosphere at matches in Huesca.
The year 2025 proved to be a “spectacular campaign” for Badminton Huesca, culminating in their promotion back to the highest level of Spanish badminton. This achievement places them among the top ten clubs in the nation, a testament to a focused, long-term strategy. But the success isn’t solely about climbing the league table; it’s about building a sustainable foundation for the future.
A key component of this foundation is the development of local players. Alejandro Gállego and Gonzalo Isábal recently competed in the Junior World Championships in India, a significant milestone for the club. While Nicolás Escartín previously represented Spain at three absolute World Championships, Gállego and Isábal’s participation marks a new generation of Huesca-trained players making their mark on the international stage. Their journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring badminton players throughout the region.
The club’s commitment to growth extends beyond its competitive teams. Badminton Huesca is actively working to become “the most powerful in Spain” in player development, competing with established national training centers and federations. This involves attracting players from outside the region, offering international training camps, and providing opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels – from recreational players to elite competitors.
Constante emphasized the importance of a shift towards professionalism over the last five years, a calculated risk that is now yielding significant results. A pivotal moment in this transformation was securing dedicated facilities, allowing for 24/7 training on eight courts. This investment has dramatically improved the club’s ability to nurture talent and prepare its teams for competition.
The club’s technical staff has also been bolstered with the addition of experienced coaches, including Roberto Mollinedo (Cuba), Luis Suárez (Mexico), and Aitana Díez. Their expertise is proving invaluable in refining the players’ skills and implementing advanced training techniques. This influx of talent is driving a “rhythm of growth” and a “high demand for work” within the club, according to Constante.
Badminton Huesca isn’t just focused on its own success; it’s actively engaging with the local community. The club is partnering with schools to offer extracurricular activities and expanding its reach to neighboring towns like Almudévar. These initiatives are designed to introduce badminton to a wider audience and cultivate the next generation of players. The club’s “tecification classrooms” are also allowing for more intensive training with a select group of young athletes.
The recent victory in Seville against La Rinconada was described by Constante as “historic,” comparing it to Real Madrid losing at the Bernabéu. This win has fueled the team’s ambition and instilled a belief that they can achieve even greater things in the Liga de División de Honor.
Gállego, Isábal, and Natxo Cervelló are already making strides on the European circuit, the highest level of badminton competition. Their progress is paving the way for future generations of Huesca players to compete at the international level. The club’s commitment to nurturing talent from the ground up is evident in its comprehensive development programs.
The club’s recent recognition with the “Pajarita de Plata” award is a source of pride for everyone involved. Constante views it as an encouragement to continue pushing forward and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Badminton Huesca family – a group that now encompasses around 400 people.
Looking ahead, Badminton Huesca aims to continue developing its players, maintaining its competitive edge, and expanding its reach within the community. The club is focused on strengthening its technical capabilities and fostering a culture of excellence. The next challenge for the team will be continuing their strong performance in the Liga de División de Honor and supporting their young players as they compete on the European stage.
Badminton Huesca’s story is one of perseverance, strategic investment, and a unwavering commitment to developing talent. It’s a story that resonates not only within the city of Huesca but also throughout the Spanish badminton community, and increasingly, on the international stage.
