After various positions, including at the Hague badminton division player Drop Shot, Rijswijker Robert Hoogland has accepted the chairmanship of the Dutch Badminton Association, a position previously held by Michel Bezuijen, former mayor of Rijswijk and current mayor of Zoetermeer.
InRijswijk spoke with Robert Hoogland about the new challenges as chairman.
Why did you say yes to the chairmanship of Badminton Netherlands??
Robert: “When I was approached for the chairmanship of Badminton Nederland (the badminton association of the Netherlands) last summer, my first feeling was, to be honest, reluctant. The challenges are great, the pressure on sports organizations is considerable and the context has not become easier in recent years. I even thanked myself for the honor. But it was precisely when the conversation about the new mission and vision – and its urgency – that I became enthusiastic. Not because it is easy, but because I no longer wanted to remain on the sidelines as a spectator and complainer. I feel that a movement is emerging that suits me. Badminton is at a crossroads. And that is precisely where I wanted to take responsibility.”
Why this presidency?
“First of all, because this sport has brought me a lot as a player. Badminton is a sport with exceptional qualities. It is fast, technical, tactical, physically demanding and social. But there is more. It is also one of the most accessible sports we know: you can play it from a young age until well over 80 years old. In The Hague we even have a world champion in that age group. That lifelong practice of sports is rare. The social and lifelong aspects have brought me many friendships.”
“Scientific research shows that racket sports demonstrably contribute to cognitive health and reduce the risk of conditions such as Alzheimer’s. Badminton is therefore not only fun and challenging, but also an extremely healthy sport, physically and mentally. We can, no: must, tell that story much more strongly. And that is also anchored in that new mission. From recent research we know that approximately 300,000 people play badminton in the Netherlands every week. Yet only 10 to 15% are affiliated. It is clear to me that there is a lot of potential. During my time as an active player, the association had 100,000 members. The challenge is not whether badminton is attractive, but whether we as a sport organize that attraction well and make it visible.
Where is your focus?
In the initial period, my focus is mainly on connecting strengths based on my passion for the sport. In concrete terms this means:
- Associations as a foundation
The association is the beating heart of the sport. Growth starts on the job, not on paper. We want to work together with associations on contemporary forms of offering, membership and bonding. Good initiatives have emerged there in recent years. We must continue to develop that as an association. - People development
Players, trainers, officials and volunteers together form the badminton ecosystem. Investing in training, talent development and knowledge sharing is investing in the future of sport. At the moment this is certainly still a matter of course. - A strong connection between width and top
Top sport is not a standalone project. It is the poster child for the sport and must inspire, connect and be visible to everyone who plays or wants to play badminton.
Is the lack of structural support a major problem?
“The withdrawal of structural support by NOC*NSF has had an enormous impact. Deep cuts had to be made. It has brought a lot of uncertainty to our top players (including multiple national champion and Rijswijker Mark Caljouw-red-photo below) and within our youth academy. Difficult choices have been forced. That hurt athletes, coaches and those involved. Some talents have withdrawn from top sport and logically opt for their social career.
Of course, this blow is still felt every day, but I also believe that it is precisely in such phases that new resilience arises. Not by pretending that everything can remain the same, but by making sharp choices with a clear course and coherence between development and performance.”
Photo: Ashton Tokromo
Image: underestimated and misunderstood
“Badminton has to deal with a persistent image in the Netherlands,” Hoogland continues. “It seems simple, sometimes people wonder whether it is a real sport. I often hear: “Oh, badminton, I can do that too. I will beat you easily.” Until people play it themselves. Then they experience how complex, intense and mentally demanding the sport really is. Top players are real super athletes who train several times a day. Not only fitness and strength, but precision is super important. The sport of badminton is actually 80% running.
“Badminton is extremely popular in Asia and is therefore one of the largest sports worldwide, with a rich Olympic history. Former Chinese Olympic and world champion Lin Dan had more followers on social media during his active career than many NBA top players. Top players from Indonesia cannot ‘just’ walk down the street. Recently, a 23-year-old South Korean top player became a millionaire from prize money within badminton. Not yet at the level of tennis, for example, but it is growing. very quickly. That says something about the scale, professionalism and appeal of the sport worldwide. We need to make much better use of that international story in the Netherlands.
What will change soon?
“Badminton Netherlands in itself does not make changes directly. It does create conditions and provide services. An important step is that we put our Eredivisie Badminton on a higher stage. We are committed to professional – NOS level – live streams with a partner. That is crucial for visibility, experience and attractiveness. For fans, athletes and partners.
In addition, we invest in communicating a clear story: badminton as an accessible, smart and healthy top sport, from recreational to international.”
Collaboration with the business community
“I emphatically call on the business community to connect with badminton. Our members form a very interesting target group: averagely well-educated, active, socially involved and with an above-average income. The entry level is low, the stage is growing, and the social value is great.
And perhaps the best part: by connecting to badminton you directly invest in talent development. You give young athletes perspective, visibility and opportunities.
It is encouraging that an initiative has now emerged from enthusiasts to build a business network around badminton. This commercial and social connection fits perfectly with sports. In fact, it is necessary for sustainable growth. Did you know that The Hague and surrounding area is pretty much the badminton capital of the Netherlands?”
Have you been asked?
“Yes, I was asked by a delegation from the members. A different route than the regular one, but personally an extra value (and responsibility). But I only said ‘yes’ because I know that this is not a solo assignment. This is a joint movement. From federation, associations, athletes, volunteers and partners. Badminton deserves a position in the Netherlands that matches its qualities, its scale and its social value. I am convinced that together – step by step – we can take that position again.”
