Ilayda Nur Ozelgul has shared her inspiring badminton journey as part of the “Humans of Shuttle Time” series, reflecting on how the sport shaped both her personal and professional life.
Introduced to badminton at the age of nine by her primary school teacher, Ozelgul quickly developed a passion for the sport and spent much of her childhood training alongside classmates who eventually became like family. Her dedication continued through university, where she balanced competitive badminton with academics, and she now works as a research assistant in sports sciences while remaining deeply connected to the badminton community.
She recalled being fascinated by the atmosphere in the sports hall and the unique sound of the shuttle hitting the racket, moments that sparked her love for the game. Over time, badminton taught her discipline, responsibility, teamwork, and healthy living, with strong support from her family throughout her journey.
One of her proudest memories was earning selection to the Turkish national team, a milestone she described as a dream come true. She also credits badminton for bringing her family closer to the sport and opening opportunities in coaching and academics.
As a coach, Ozelgul says she finds joy in introducing children to badminton and creating a positive, enjoyable environment for learning. Through the Shuttle Time programme, she hopes more schools and communities will embrace badminton, not just to produce elite athletes but to encourage more people to enjoy the sport and its benefits.
