Templestowe teen could be badminton’s next big thing after being selected for Sudirman Cup
A badminton player from Melbourne’s east is hoping to be the sport’s next sensation after being chosen to represent Australia at a Commonwealth Games lead-in event.
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A TEMPLESTOWE teen has the badminton world at her feet as she prepares for the sport’s premier annual event on the Gold Coast in a couple of weeks.
Joy Lai, 18, hopes to use the Sudirman Cup as a springboard to Commonwealth Games qualification next year.
She has been playing since the age of six.
Lai’s first major tournament was the Singapore Youth International in 2010 before she qualified for four World Junior Championships. In 2015 she contested first open-age world titles.
Lai narrowly missed selection for last year’s Rio Olympics but she remains hopeful of making it to Tokyo in 2020.
The Ivanhoe Grammar School Year 12 student told the Leader she found regular training helped give her balance with her studies.
Lai is a nominee for Leader Local Sports Stars. All sports star medallists will be named in seven categories including juniors, teams, individuals, and encouragement.
The program is now a national celebration, and junior category winners will be judged for national awards.
Cash prizes as well as vouchers from our sponsor Sportsmart are up for grabs.
To nominate an athlete, go to localsportsstars.com.au
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