The 2019 National Senior Games for badminton were held recently at the Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque New Mexico for singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. The National Senior Games are dedicated to motivating active adults to lead a healthy lifestyle through the senior games movement and is the largest multi-sport event in the world for seniors. Their vision is to promote healthy lifestyles for adults through education, fitness and sport.
Local 80-year-old Loma Linda resident James Ho, who has been a continued finalist since 1999, was able to partake in this year’s games. Ho never fails to bring home a medal for his outstanding accomplishments in badminton. He has been playing badminton since the young age of 6-years-old.
In order to make it to the National Senior Games a player must first qualify in any state senior games. Ho went to the Nevada Senior Games in October of 2018 and earned his qualification to New Mexico. He went on to register for three different categories at the New Mexico games: Singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles. During the men’s doubles game Ho had to step down and play in the 75-79 age bracket due to his partner being 79-years-old. Unfortunately, his regular partner had to have his L3 and L4 repaired and was unable to participate alongside Ho. Together with his new partner they were able to achieve a silver medal!
In the mixed doubles Ho went back up to his regular age bracket of 80-84. His partner during this tournament, an 80-year-old was a beginner in badminton play. However, their determination and spirited team work brought them a win and a bronze medal.
Sadly, Ho was injured during his singles game. He was on antibiotics for inflammation in his left foot. During the match Ho was in the lead 19-17 when his opponent made a difficult shot. The other player managed to place a net shot on Ho’s left side of the net. He went to reach for it but his left foot twisted at an angle and caused him severe pain. Even with the injury, Ho continued on and won the silver medal for singles.
James Ho has been a dedicated player of the games for years and plans to continue to do so. He will recover from that minor setback and continue on with his love for the game. Ho says that he is, “looking forward to the next National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2021!”