After three nights of competition at the Mini Gym, the badminton tournament successfully came to a close on April 18
During these games, we observed some powerful smashes, delicate net shots, clever shuttle placements, nimble footwork, some impossible saves, and even a few funny misses. Players endeavored to perform their best, and the audience cheered for their favorite rallies. Once again, these games represent an enormous amount of badminton enthusiasm and talent in our Village. Badminton Club wishes to thank Peter Quan and Kat for their support and assistance in making these games possible. We are grateful to all the participants – players, audiences, and especially, volunteers. We could not have done it without your involvement.
If you missed this year’s tournament, don’t worry. You have exactly one year to prepare for the next Village Games in 2026. Come join us at the Mini Gym to learn, to practice, to hone your skills. Who knows, you could very well be the next LWV badminton star in the making. We’d love to see you on the court. The current schedule is posted on the glass door between the Mini Gym and the Fitness Center. For more information, please send an email to lwvshuttlecock@gmail.com or visit https://lagunawoodsvillage.com/amenities/clubs/badminton/
The 2025 Badminton Club village game results are as follows
Men Individuals Best
- Vahid Mazloomi (Gold)
- Fred Fashami (Silver)
- Mitchell Gelber (Bronze)
Women Individual Best
- Nina Karimi (Gold)
- Christina Kelly (Silver)
- Hue Mullick (Bronze)
Mix Double
- Vahid Mazloomi & Hue Mullick (Gold)
- Fred Fashami & Christina Kelly (Silver)
- Mitchell Gelber & Nina Karimi (Bronze)
Skill Competition
- Alice Pan (Gold)
- Melanie Sears (Silver)
- Barbara Siry (Bronze)
Kudos to Hue Mullick for being the oldest badminton player at the 2025 Village Games. Known for her energetic spirit, clever net plays, and unexpected clears, this former US 2nd place and Texas champion weightlifter, bodybuilder, and soccer referee with two replacement knees won the final mixed double gold with her partner Vahid. At 83, Hue is far from becoming the world’s oldest badminton player.
That honor belongs to Lin Youmao of Taipei, Taiwan. Born August 15, 1922, Lin is 104 years old and a Guinness World Record holder. He fell in love with badminton at age 50 and has never stopped playing. He is on the court 3 times a week, and often plays 90-minute sessions. Lin made headlines across Taiwan for winning the gold medal in the 2024 Morning Cup World Masters Games badminton tournament. When not playing badminton, Lin volunteers at a charitable coffee shop, raising funds to feed abandoned animals. He also practices singing with a local senior chorus. A retired Bureau of Forestry technician, he favors bright red outfits so no one would miss him either in the woods or on the court. To watch this amazing badminton legend in action, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVwmnjb9a8M
Here is a message to all the “young” residents of Laguna Woods Village – it’s never too late to start playing badminton. Please come join us to play, to socialize, to exercise. The health benefits could also enhance your longevity – that is just a bonus we all can appreciate.
