Reading Time: 6 minutes

By Ariann Khoo (26S06B), Jaden Lum Zi Jun (26S05A), Tara Teo (26A01D) and Teng Yifan (26S06H)

Photos courtesy of RIAC and the players themselves

They walked into the stadium not just as players, but as champions defending a legacy.

For three straight years, RI’s Badminton team had clinched gold. This year, the pressure was higher than ever.

Here’s how it all played out.

But first—who even are the players?

The Lineup

A group photograph of the RI Badminton team posing in a gymnasium, with players arranged in a dynamic formation and displaying their team uniforms.

First off, Ding Hanjin, RI’s very own National Player, is allergic. Allergic to losing, that is. A true magician on the court, he attacks all the way, triumphing again and again. His badminton journey started at the wee age of 6, cutting his teeth in recreational groups and local tournaments. Looking ahead, he wishes to continue competing at the highest level. His dream opponent? None other than Victor Axelsen.

Next is Tan Ray Kai—a standout at the front court. During matches, he stays low, balanced and ready to pounce. Off the court, he’s easy-going and always willing to lend a helping hand.

Sheldric Lim’s the controller. A master strategist on the court, he remains remarkably composed and confident under the pressures of performance. As a spectator, his cheers rise above the rest, propelling his teammates with pride and passion.

Then there’s Ren Zhaoxiang, who always lends a dependable presence on the court. Swift, agile and cool, the shuttlecock bends to his will.

Clayton Hi, meanwhile, plays a patient, precise and ruthless game. With his signature long cross-court shot, he breaks open rallies and wears opponents down. Some say he’s predictable, but the results prove otherwise.

Hans Yeow, the vice captain, is the partner everyone wants—stable, witty, and always there, even when you’re off your game. He started badminton in Primary 1, and, one day, would love to play Jerome Ng of ACJC. But if he can’t, he’ll settle for the Daddies themselves—Indonesia’s Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan, the world-championship winning duo.

Finally, we have the team’s captain, Parco Sebastian Johann Magboo. Known for his lightning-fast drives and powerful smashes, he began playing at 8 and leads his team by example, hammering opponents with raw intensity and relentless energy. He wishes to face off against the legendary Aloysius from ACSI.

The Match

Game 1: Singles

Hanjin was the first to step onto the court. Calm and composed, he seemed almost certain of victory. He would be right. RI won the first set at 21-3 and the second at 21-2.

Most points were in fact gained by simply standing still, with Hanjin measuring that the opponent had hit the shuttlecock out of bounds with eerie precision.

RI took home Game 1.

Game 2: Doubles

It was time for the first doubles match, with Hans and Sheldric, doubles partners since Y1-4, representing us.

Two badminton players in green uniforms are poised to return a shot during a doubles match, with spectators seated in the background. — *The most feared du*o

The first set was fiercely intense. With the score being 8-7 to RI, Hans delivered an almighty smash, tightening RI’s lead to 9-7. The first set was narrowly won at 22-20, with ACSI proving to be worthy foes.

Fuelled with energy after winning the first set, the pair continued to play their best, with Sheldric glancing back at the crowd and shouting passionately after every point. The screams and cheers must have motivated the duo, as they won the second set with a convincing score of 21-15, extending RI’s lead to 2-0.

Game 3: Singles

Clayton could feel the weight on his shoulders.

Winning this match would mean defending Ri’s title as champions for the 4th year in the row, ending the game then and there.

As the show began, it was clear: the 2 players were evenly matched.

The scoreboard flickered. 8-8. 8-9. 9-9.

Whoops! The shuttlecock hit the referee at 10-14. Ouch.

As the ACSI opponent slowly extended his lead to 13-20, ACSI won the first set with a score of 14-21.

But determined to put up a fight, Clayton triumphed in the second set ending at 21-16, leading to a third set being called to decide the winner.

This would be the most intense match yet, with the scores being neck and neck as both tried to secure the 2 point gap to achieve the win they so sorely sought after.

Unfortunately, ACSI emerged victorious as the final set was won with a score of 21-23, denying RI the point they needed to reclaim their title.

Clayton was visibly frustrated as his teammates offered consoling pats on his back. The crowd grew solemn as a heavy stillness fell over the arena. This wasn’t the easy win they had expected.

Everyone held their breath.

Game 4: Doubles

The 4th match was just as action-packed as the 3rd, with Ray Kai and Parco seeking to win one last game to bring it home for RI.

Unfortunately, ACSI proved to be tough opponents, as they won both sets with scores of 20-22 and 16-21.

This meant that a final match had to be called as the decider.

With councillors leading the charge, a chaotic cheer-off between ACSI and RI supporters ensued, with ACSI responding to Raffles Dynamite with their own cheer: AC Dynamite. How sweet.

A lively crowd of supporters cheering enthusiastically during a badminton match, with a mix of school uniforms and vibrant expressions of encouragement. — “✊😠✊*” indeed*

Game 5: Singles

Zhaoxiang stepped into the final match, carrying the weight of the whole team on his shoulders.

He played with his whole heart, but the strength of his opponent proved to be overwhelming. After losing to RI in the finals last year, ACSI had finally secured their meteoric comeback, winning 3 games out of 5.

RI had lost.

Nevertheless, beyond the scoreboard, something lingered.

Memories That Last a Lifetime

Being part of the Badminton team isn’t just about taking part in NSG competitions, it’s about being part of a close-knit community where friendships flourish and every moment is cherished.

The bond among them is built not only through rallies and practises, but also through countless everyday moments that bring them closer.

Whether it’s cheekily taking long breaks during CCA sessions or going out for team dinners together after training, these little pockets of time have truly become fond memories for all of them.

“I remember during team bonding held last year where the badminton members stayed until 10pm at the field and we got chased out by security.”
Ray Kai

With some members training with each other since primary school, their unwavering support for each other is undoubtable. And as their cheers for each other ricochet off the walls of the indoor sports halls, the long, exhausting matches are made more bearable—or even enjoyable—because of the heartfelt encouragement by their teammates.

Two badminton players shaking hands on the court, with a match in progress in the background. — *Hans and Sheldric clasp hands*

“I couldn’t hear anyone else except Sheldric. It’s very touching to hear someone cheering for us so so loudly”
Ray Kai

From helping teammates mop the floor to handing out ice packs between matches, they showed the quiet care that defined the team’s camaraderie.

And from accidentally serving shuttlecocks into each other’s heads or smashing rackets while diving for the same shot—they didn’t just play matches.

They became family.

Valediction

We asked the Y6s leaving the team if they had any parting messages. Here’s what they had to say.

From Hanjin to Rafael, a current Y4 player, he hopes he will stay confident in himself, not let his results get under his skin and remember not to carry the world upon his shoulders.

From Hans, he hopes his brother, Josh, a current J1, will work hard and win next year. He also thanks his father for always being supportive of him.

From Parco to Davin, he wants him to train hard so he can become the best possible version of himself. He thanks his coaches and teachers too, for their utmost trust in him.

Four young badminton players pose with their trophies and certificates in a sports hall, showcasing their achievements, including 'Champion' and 'Runner-Up' titles. — *Hanjin and Hans! (first and third from left, respectively)*

In the End

Sure, they didn’t leave with the trophy this time, but they left with something more. Memories made. Lessons learned. Bonds forged through every serve, dive and rally. For the seniors, this was their final match—but for the rest, it was just the beginning.

And as long as the shuttle’s still flying, they will rise again.