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The Otago Boys' High School Foundation

PO Box 11,
Dunedin, New Zealand

Tel +64 3 477 2546
Fax +64 3 477 5468

Kamil's coup

24/5/2009

Kamil Patel (Year 13, 7th form), and one of Otago’s most promising badminton players, will be one of the first to benefit from the sport’s new sponsorship deal.

Kamil Patel practising in the school gym

The lanky 17-year-old will not have to shell out for expensive rackets and shoes with badminton product supplier Ashaway agreeing to cover his equipment costs. The company will also provide equipment for two local coaches.

Kamil has been selected from the Otago Badminton Academy’s intake this year with the aim being to provide players with the training skills to push for selection in the senior Otago team.

He has been the leading age-group player in the region and is the top-ranked under-19 player in Otago. Earlier this month, he won the singles, doubles and mixed events at the Otago under-19 championships, and has been selected to represent the South Island at the CP Maddern tournament in Melbourne in July.

It’s a big thrill for the relaxed teenager, who took up the sport six years ago after shifting to New Zealand from South Africa.

Described as an intelligent player who uses his 1.90m frame to cover the ground quickly, Kamil is also highly regarded for his willingness to graft. He is a patient player who waits for the right opportunity to hammer home any advantage.