German teens get closer to badminton action in Mülheim

A group of teenagers – varying in ages between 14 to 18 – are on their only day off from volunteering at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games and have decided to use their precious time to watch the first day of athletics.

“The (camp) is more for ourselves so we can have fun and learn a lot more. Most of us want to be a trainer… so we can also train other people. So we learn different things about (the sport),” said Emely. 

Stationed in Mülheim, each of the young aspiring sportspersons has watched and learnt from some of the best student-athletes in the world. For them, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The teens have a unique job, mopping the floor to keep the badminton court as pristine as possible for the players.

But they don’t mind the extra chores. For them, being a small part of the action is all worth it.

“We have mops and then when the players fall, the referee (calls us over)… and we should mop the whole field. And then we do it several times in one game,” said Johanna.

“I like to watch (the) professional players, how they play. You can watch and get better,” said Luis.

“The feeling (of) standing on the court is amazing.”

Inspiration from the sidelines

The group has taken full advantage of the personal access they have to the players at Rhine-Ruhr 2025, collecting signatures from many of their favourites.

“I’m inspired by Rei Miyashita from Japan. He played a really tough game against Chinese Taipei. And he managed… his mental game of his performance on court. So that inspires me,” said Ben, the self-proclaimed ‘best mopper’ of the group, referring to one of the quarterfinal duels of the mixed team competition.

When asked about the experience on the sidelines, a cacophony of overlapping voices started, each eager to share their exciting stories.

“(We’re) definitely (inspired) a lot. Because when the players are… so near to you, it’s very special to see this. Also you want to play like this then, after the game,” said Frederik.

Teachings on the court

While volunteering their time at the FISU Games during the German summer holidays, the teenagers are also studying technical tricks to improve their own game.

“I learnt the backhand drop and the backhand clear. For me, it’s pretty hard,” said Mats.

When asked to take a photo, the group immediately jumps into a victory pose, placing one hand up to their ear and one towards the camera.

They explain that the pose emulates the German mixed team’s celebration from earlier in the week.

And their favourite players?

“Miranda Wilson,” Johanna immediately said about the women’s singles silver medallist from the 2025 German Championships, who is entered in multiple events this week in Mülheim.  .

“Mattias Kicklitz. (He’s) a German singles player. I really like him (and) I got a jersey from him,” said Frederik.

The People’s Republic of China claimed the first badminton gold medal of the Games on 20 July, in mixed team competition. The singles, doubles and mixed doubles finals are set for Saturday, 26 July.

The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games take place from 16-27 July. Watch all the competitions live on fisu.tv. Click on the link to find the full schedule.

Written by Sophie Wisely, FISU Young Reporter, Australia

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.