Local Sports Star nominee Dev Batra in badminton

BADMINTON is a fast-paced game, needing lightning reflexes and a tight grip.

Dev Batra has a knack for badminton.

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BADMINTON is a fast-paced game, needing lightning reflexes and a tight grip.

Before visiting family in Delhi, India, Dev Batra had no idea of how hard the sport was, or how much he would love it.

“I saw my cousins playing it, just socially, when I was in India two years ago,” the Quakers Hill 12-year-old said.

“I just started playing from there and thought, ‘This is a lot of fun, and I’m really good at it’.”

Dev and his twin brother Deep make for the best rally partners, with the duo supporting each other on the court in doubles and off in training.

“We’re pretty competitive — he was born six minutes after I was,” Dev said.

“We always play matches together — I think we have a natural talent.”

Dev Batra plays has represented the state in badminton.

Dev recently competed in the Inter-State Badminton Championship in Victoria in the under-13 category, representing NSW.

“I like playing against the older people, because they’re not as fast as me,” Dev said.

“It’s fun to win, but I like playing people that are better than me because I like a challenge as well.”

Dev plays as part of Castle Hill Badminton Club, and is training for the adult open competition, to be held at Sydney Olympic Park.

“Most adults are bad in fitness. I’m not worried about versing people 40 years old. I want to represent Australia at the Olympics, so I like the challenge,” Dev said.

Dev is this week’s Local Sports Star nominee in the Individual category.

The Local Sports Stars award has five categories including Service to Sport.

localsportsstars.com.au