Community Over Competition: Inside the NMSU Badminton Club
In the evenings in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the energy shifts toward the courts as the NMSU Badminton Club gathers to trade the stresses of academia and research for the fast pace of the shuttlecock. We see a space where the traditional hierarchies of a university vanish, replaced by a shared passion for a sport that bridges the gap between different campus roles.
The club is a diverse assembly of undergraduate students, graduate students, and university staff. This mixing of demographics creates a unique social ecosystem within New Mexico State University, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond typical classroom or office interactions.
A Level Playing Field
Practices are designed to be inclusive, regardless of a player’s starting point. Rather than sticking to fixed pairings, members frequently rotate partners to mix skillsets. This approach ensures that beginners are not left behind and experienced players continue to be challenged.
Former club President Akshit Mehta noted that experienced players often accept a mentorship role, guiding beginners personally. According to Mehta, the goal is to ensure everyone plays together so that no one is left struggling to improve in isolation.
The flexibility of the club’s schedule as well plays a role in its retention. Members can reach and move between practices, allowing those with demanding professional or academic calendars to remain involved. Abdur Rashid, an NMSU Associate Research Scientist, highlighted this inclusivity, noting that whereas most members are students, the love of the game transcends those distinctions.
The Tournament Hurdle
While the passion for the sport is high, the NMSU Badminton Club does not currently participate in external tournaments. This is not due to a lack of skill, but rather a matter of roster requirements.
Competitive events—specifically women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles—typically require a minimum of four female participants to field a viable team. Because the club has been unable to meet this threshold, they have pivoted their focus inward. Instead of chasing trophies, the members engage in internal scrimmaging to replicate the tournament experience.
Current President Phuong Nguyen views this as a natural fit for the group’s identity. Nguyen emphasized that the members are “regular players” who simply love the game, finding contentment in playing against one another rather than seeking formal competition.
A Legacy in Las Cruces
The club’s presence on campus is not a recent development. Records indicate that the organization became an official student organization of New Mexico State University in 1977. For over three decades, the club was guided by a figure known as the “czar and guru,” Harry, who led the group for approximately 35 years until his death in 2003.
This long history has established the club as a staple for students, faculty, staff, and visitors in the Las Cruces area. Today, that legacy continues through a digital presence on Facebook, where the club maintains a community of over 1,700 likes and continues to welcome new players into the fold.
Quick Facts: NMSU Badminton Club
- Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Official Status: Recognized student organization since 1977
- Membership: Open to undergraduates, graduates, faculty, and staff
- Schedule: Meets twice weekly in the evenings
- Competitive Focus: Internal scrimmaging (no external tournaments)
For those looking to join or learn more about the organization’s history and current activities, the club remains open to all skill levels, continuing its mission of putting community first on the court. More details on the club’s historical standing can be found via Badminton Clubs.
Do you play in a campus club that prioritizes community over competition? Let us understand in the comments below.
