Rising Eastern Gauteng badminton star earns national selection | Bedfordview Edenvale News

Eastern Gauteng Badminton Association (EGBA) youngster Huei-Gin Chen knew she had found her sport the moment she first sent a shuttlecock soaring over the net.

A racquet sport enthusiast from an early age, Chen initially dabbled in tennis but quickly realised it wasn’t for her. That changed five years ago when she stumbled upon badminton online and was instantly hooked by its speed and intensity.

“I used to do tennis, but it felt a bit slow. When I tried badminton, I fell in love with it because it’s what I was looking for. It’s fast, explosive and never feels slow,” said Chen.

ALSO READ: Seven EGBA juniors selected for national badminton squads

Now 15, the rising shuttler is beginning to turn heads with a game that points to a bright future. Light on her feet and sharp in her reading of play, she blends natural instinct with a steadily growing technical arsenal, playing with a confidence well beyond her years.

What truly sets her apart, however, is her mindset — coachable, resilient and fiercely competitive — clear indicators of an athlete not just taking part, but purposefully building towards something bigger.

Her rapid progress was rewarded with selection to the national U17 squad following an impressive year on the court — a milestone she describes as a dream come true.

“It feels really wonderful. It’s great to have been recognised,” she said. “I get to represent something, especially something I love. Representing my province and my country is a proud moment.”

ALSO READ: Young Eastern Gauteng shuttlers lift national interprovincial title

Chen credits a packed competition schedule, including provincial championships and open tournaments, for accelerating her development and helping her reach this milestone.

“I played in a lot of competitions and Opens and always tried to give my best. When I started improving, I felt like I was getting there — and it led to me finally achieving my dream,” she said.

Looking ahead, consistency is her primary focus — a trait she believes underpins long-term success in sport.

“I want to stay consistent because I don’t want to achieve something and then fall back. My goal is to keep improving and maintain that level,” she said.

Inspired by South Korean world number one An Se-young, Chen has her sights set firmly on the future. She hopes her national age-group selection will serve as a stepping stone to the senior ranks and bigger stages beyond.

“I want to establish myself in the U17 national squad because it’s something many players strive for. I also want to represent South Africa at the All Africa U19 Championships,” she said.