Otago University Sets the Standard for Spirit at UTSNZ Badminton

The University of Otago once again left its mark on the UTSNZ National Tertiary Badminton Championships and Cup, with two Otago teams claiming the prestigious Spirit Awards.

Awarded to the teams that best embody sportsmanship, positivity, support, enthusiasm and contribution to the overall culture of the event, the Spirit Awards reinforced Otago’s reputation for bringing unmatched energy, connection and community to the championships.

UTSNZ Marketing and Events Manager Tiwai Wilson described Otago's players as “the heart and soul of the event”, praising the university’s students for the positivity, passion and support they consistently bring to the tournament.

UTSNZ caught up with several members of the Otago squads following the event, including Championship player and team manager Amy Su, fourth-year Championship representative Justin Ho, third-time Cup players Steven Phang and Benjamin Louie, and Cup manager Marcus Gee, to reflect on what makes the Otago badminton culture so special and why students continue to commit to the event year after year.

Championship player and team manager Amy Su said the close-knit nature of the Otago badminton community came from the friendships and support formed throughout the year in Dunedin.

“On nights where we just need some stress relief, it is quite common to hit each other up and ask for a hit, forming a tight bond with each other,” she said. “I feel like we have seen each other at our worst and at our best so we know everyone’s capabilities. This carries into this tournament where we cheer on our teammates like there is no tomorrow to show we support them and believe in them.”

Su said the unique nature of studying in Dunedin also played a big role in shaping Otago’s badminton culture and why events such as the UTSNZ championships meant so much to players.

“Being in Otago, I feel we are a little isolated as there are not as many tournaments and players down here,” she said. “So having the opportunity to travel, to compete with my team and to represent my university is really nice.”

This year’s Championship squad featured four international students, something Su said added another dimension to the team environment and strengthened the bonds within the group.

“We had four international students in our squad, which was awesome - it brought in different perspectives and made our bond feel pretty special,” she said.

Su said the support culture within the team was one of the things she was most proud of.

“We are each other’s coaches, managers, teammates and biggest supporters,” she said.

That support was visible throughout the championships, with Otago’s loud sidelines, constant encouragement and strong team connection becoming one of the defining features of the event.

For many Otago students, the event is about far more than badminton itself. Players say the championships provide a chance to strengthen friendships, represent their university and create memories that last well beyond university life.

Even with the long travel distances and significant costs involved in attending the national event from Dunedin, players say the experience continues to be worth the commitment.

“Otago students keep making the trip year after year, even with the long travel and high costs, because honestly, the experience is totally worth it,” Su said. “It’s not just about the competition but the amazing friendships you build along the way. You get so close when you're all in it together, travelling, supporting each other and just having a laugh. It is the memories and the mates you make that keeps us coming back.”

Cup player Benjamin Louie said Otago’s culture reflected the reality that many students arrive in Dunedin away from home and looking for connection.

“I think the root of the badminton culture in Otago stems from the fact that Otago University is unique from the other universities in New Zealand in that the majority of students come from outside of Dunedin,” he said. “That means we are all in the same boat - looking for friends, connections and communities.”

Louie said opportunities such as the UTSNZ badminton events also helped students stay active and involved while balancing study pressures and life away from home.

“I am super grateful that there is an event such as the UTSNZ badminton champs that allows me to continue to play at a competitive level during my studies,” he said. “It gives me something to do and train towards, keeping me motivated in training and keeping myself healthy and active.”

Justin Ho, who has now attended four Championship campaigns with Otago, said the UTSNZ events had become an important part of his university experience.

“It means bringing people together, creating a community of friendships that could be carried across our time in university.”

Cup manager Marcus Gee agreed, saying the commitment ultimately came down to passion for the sport and the people around it. “We just do it for the love of the game,” he said.

For many players, the event also provides an opportunity to reconnect with friends and former teammates from around the country.

Third-year Cup player Steven Phang said the championships created connections that extended far beyond badminton.

“I have met old friends and past teammates who have moved across different parts of the country,” he said. “If not for this event I would otherwise not meet them often.”

The championships also highlight the important role tertiary sport continues to play in student wellbeing, connection and university life.

Louie said tertiary sport filled an important gap for students transitioning from high school into university life.

“I think it's great,” Louie said. “During high school it is so easy to take part in extracurricular activities. There are endless leagues and tournaments to go to. But once you leave home and come to uni it's so much harder to keep doing those things. Otago Uni does a great job at pushing students to try new things and get involved, which is why I love the UTSNZ tourneys - it gives high-performing athletes opportunities to compete but also provides opportunities for new social players to experience what a badminton tournament is like.”

For Otago’s players, the Spirit Awards represented far more than recognition at the end of a tournament. They reflected the friendships, pride, support and sense of belonging that continue to make Otago University students a defining presence at UTSNZ badminton events year after year.

For UTSNZ, experiences shared by the Otago students highlight the wider impact of tertiary sport - creating connection, community, wellbeing and opportunities for students to build lasting memories while representing their university.

So, while the results and Spirit Awards will be recorded, it is the friendships, shared experiences and sense of belonging that will be remembered ,and what makes Otago’s presence such a memorable part of the UTSNZ badminton story.