Net gains for Ugandan shuttler

Ugandan shuttler Kenneth Mwambu idolizes China's two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan as he dreams of one day competing on the biggest stage himself. His immediate goal, however, is more modest — obtaining a badminton scholarship to continue his university studies.

"I am looking forward to an athletic scholarship. It is a big deal for me," said the 23-year-old, whose hardscrabble upbringing in a low-income neighborhood in Uganda has molded him into a tough competitor on the court.

Competing at the Chengdu FISU World University Games has taken Mwambu a step closer to his target, allowing him to identify his weaknesses against world-class opponents.

"In the higher levels of badminton, the quality of shot really matters and we can't play loose shots," he said, adding that his pregame preparations have focused on improving stamina, endurance and sharpening his technique.

He lost both his matches in Chengdu — in men's singles and men's doubles — but insisted there were plenty of positives to take away from the event.

"I would say it was a really difficult match, being the first for me (in Chengdu)," Mwambu said after his defeat to the United States' Daniel Bielin on Friday.

"I did my best but I know for sure that he clearly had better technique and moved faster," he said.

Pausing for a few seconds, Mwambu added: "Maybe technique-wise, we were around the same level, but he is definitely faster and I could not catch up with his speed. I will just have to get back to training and work on the details," he said.

"I think there are some elements that I need to practice for a long time, and I need to do regular gym and all that. For a number of reasons, it is sometimes difficult to balance everything back home, but I'm really doing my best."

Mwambu started playing badminton only seven years ago and was selected for the Uganda national team in 2021.

"I've known some players who played for a very short time like me, but they did not manage to make it to the national team. I feel like I have moved an inch," he said. "I really look forward to playing better and better for my country."

Mwambu and his two siblings were reared by his mother alone. He often fell sick as a child and, with money being tight, he struggled to buy equipment in the early days of his badminton career.

Nowadays, his training facilities in Uganda are still limited.

"We have very few training courts. There is no competition venue that can accommodate four courts like this one (in Chengdu)," he said.

"But I have also played in a lot of other countries and just keep watching matches. I just love badminton and like the people who have been successful (in badminton)."

Mwambu majors in civil engineering at Makerere University in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

"I play badminton every morning and I need to have a gym or running session in the afternoon and then go on the court. In the evening, I need to go to classes," he said.

Although Mwambu failed to secure a victory in Chengdu, he still reckons the trip has been more than worthwhile.

"I failed in the singles, but because I received a bye in the draw I did not play a round-of-64 game in the doubles, meaning I reached the round of 32," he said.

"So in some way, I have already made it by playing here."