By: Kingdan Seak
January 21, 2025
While badminton has become an established sport at many highschools across the country, a growing population of students say that they are interested in playing but feel excluded- male highschool athletes. Many students at Carver feel left out or just upset. That they are not given the opportunity to play the sport they enjoy in a more competitive scene.
“Ever since I was a kid my favorite sport was badminton, and I'm very bummed out that there isn’t a team.” said Omar Faruk.
This sentiment is shared by many, as students express their desire for more opportunities to compete in sports they are passionate about.
“If there were a boys' badminton team, I would join without a doubt.” said Mohamad Megahed.
Male students at Carver are unable to compete in badminton at a higher level because the sport is not officially recognized by the PIAA, the state governing body for high school sports.
“It’s just traditionally been a girls only sport, badminton is not a PIAA sport, so it’s not recognized by the state association.” said Mr. Pitzner.
While badminton’s lack of recognition by the PIAA prevents male students from competing at a higher level, it also raises important questions about the availability and inclusivity of sports at schools. This gap in competitive opportunities may leave many students feeling overlooked, regardless of their gender.
“I have many male friends that are interested in badminton and many play everyday, but not for the school since there isn’t a team for them to play in.” said Omar Faruk.
Not only does this absence of a badminton team limit the opportunities for students to pursue their passions, but it also highlights the need for schools to offer a wider range of sports options. By providing more competitive teams, schools could foster greater student engagement, improve school spirit, and help students discover new interests and talents.
“I believe that if there was a boy’s badminton team, it would help many male students learn more about themselves like new interests and talents.” said Mohammad Megahed
Establishing a boys' badminton team could also serve as a step toward ensuring that all students, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to participate in the sports they love.
“If we had more teams for everyone, more people could find a sport they enjoy and feel like they belong.” said Mohammad Megahed.
Starting a boys' badminton team could give more students the chance to play the sports they love.
"If we had more teams for everyone, more people could find a sport they enjoy and feel like they belong."
This is exactly what Title IX aims to do to ensure that all students, no matter their gender, have equal opportunities to get involved in sports.
“Based on Title IX, people always look at title IX and think it’s about equality, just for females. Well what it is, is about equality and opportunity, and when it comes to badminton, there isn’t equality or opportunity.” said Pitzner
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