Description

The IBAK (Indian Badminton Association-Kuwait) story holds true to the two adages oft., used, “Necessity is the mother of invention” and “If there is a will there is a way”. What was a quest to fulfill the desire to play badminton on a regular basis turned out to become a driving force and in the process, scripted a new chapter in the badminton scene of Kuwait. When the small group of dedicated and badminton crazy individuals met for the first time, little did they realize that they would be echoing and bringing to fruition a long felt desire by the Indian community to play and involve in badminton on a regular basis.

When the different possible venues were scouted, a lot of resistance and obstacles were crossed. The journey finally started on a fine morning on the 16th of April 2010. The official recognition by registering the Association with the Indian Embassy of Kuwait was obtained on the 14th of April 2010. The Ambassador of India to Kuwait, H.E, Shri Ajai Malhotra, commenced the journey at the Qadsiya Club premises in Hawally and the speed with which a lot of feathers were added to the IBAK crown, astonished many and started a wave of followers. The numbers went from 100 at the time of registration to 150 at the time of inauguration and has threatened the 600 mark on current standing.

The venue changed to a more permanent daily practice venue in the Saad Ibn Al Azz School at Mishref and Tournament venue at The Taekwondo & Judo Federation in Sabah Al Salem. The goodwill created by the movement opened many doors, a feat, and unparallelled by many previously existing badminton associations in Kuwait. The journey, under the patronage of the Ministry of education moved into a permanent home at the Saad Al Awzi School premises, Salwa. The first nine court facility for Badminton on a wooden surface drew the envy of many and a place for enjoying badminton with the whole family was thus a reality.

IBAK added another feather in its crown by providing a structured coaching module which involved training by renowned badminton coaches from outside the country and a team of dedicated and competent badminton players from Kuwait. This was another ‘first’ in Kuwait and the first module saw 80 enthusiastic budding players join the module. IBAK’s promise is to nurture the talented badminton loving youngsters and mold them to be future stars, who will make us proud and the will, is definitely showing the way forward.

IBAK has successfully conducted many tournaments and has also opened its doors to badminton enthusiasts from other parts of the world to make it a large hearted body that supports the like-minded interests of all concerned in Kuwait. IBAK has, under its umbrella, provided a perfect platform for interaction of the badminton community and has brought them that much more closer to one another. Through regular recreational activities, the IBAK family has grown closer and stronger.