Sanilhac, Dordogne, France – A growing enthusiasm for badminton is taking root in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, with a recent interclub competition highlighting the sport’s appeal beyond elite competition. On Tuesday, March 17th, the Sanilhac badminton club hosted a friendly but competitive evening against Saint-Pierre-de-Chignac, offering players a chance to hone their skills in a team environment. The event, held in a well-attended local hall, underscored the sport’s growing accessibility and focus on camaraderie.
This particular division of play is designed to welcome newcomers to the competitive side of badminton. “It’s more for players who are just starting out,” explained Thomas Elmaik, captain of the Sanilhac team. The atmosphere wasn’t about chasing rankings or accolades, but about learning the rhythms of official tournaments and enjoying the game together. Sanilhac entered the match as the leaders of their pool, facing a strong challenge from Saint-Pierre-de-Chignac, currently in second place.
A Convivial Approach to Competition
The evening featured a mix of singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches, played in a spirited yet relaxed atmosphere. Beyond the on-court action, a strong sense of collective spirit was evident. “It’s a way to get acquainted with the rules, the pace, and the demands of official matches,” Elmaik added. Players weren’t just focused on their individual performance; teammates offered encouragement, advice, and analysis from the sidelines, creating a supportive environment.
The benefits of this team-based approach extend beyond simply learning the technical aspects of the game. Gersende Guéguin, captain of the Saint-Pierre-de-Chignac team, emphasized the social aspect. “It allows us to discover tournaments. We’re more comfortable in team competitions than in individual ones, and it’s more friendly,” she said. This emphasis on enjoyment and shared experience is proving to be a key factor in attracting new players to the sport.
Captaincy in this setting, both Elmaik and Guéguin agreed, goes far beyond simply selecting the team lineup. “You have to motivate, unite, inspire, and create a group,” Guéguin explained. “We also spend evenings putting the teams together and managing the unexpected.” The commitment to the team’s success was palpable, with both captains stressing the dedication and investment of their players.
“The group really gives it their all, they take it seriously. We’re all invested and we’re determined to develop the team win,” Elmaik stated, echoing the sentiment shared by Guéguin. This shared sense of purpose and collective effort is what defines the spirit of this particular league.
Yannick Maleville
Saint-Pierre-de-Chignac is a commune in the Dordogne department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. The town, with a population of 971 as of 2023, is located approximately 12 kilometers southeast of Périgueux. The Badminton Club Auberoche Isle Manoire 24 represents the town in regional competitions. Sanilhac is also located within the Dordogne department, and is experiencing a surge in interest in badminton at the local level.
This friendly competition between Sanilhac and Saint-Pierre-de-Chignac exemplifies a broader trend of growing participation in badminton, particularly at the grassroots level. By focusing on teamwork, inclusivity, and a welcoming atmosphere, clubs like these are successfully attracting new players and fostering a love for the sport. The next scheduled match for the Sanilhac team is on March 24th against a team from Bergerac, promising another exciting evening of competition.
Interested in learning more about badminton in the Dordogne region? Check out the Facebook page for Badminton Club Auberoche Isle Manoire 24 for updates and information: Badminton Club Auberoche Isle Manoire 24.
Worth a look
