Shuttle badminton academy in Virugambakkam
You would not expect to locate a shuttle badminton court at the far end of a colony called Natesan Nagar that leads off from Kaliamman Koil Street, Virugambakkam.
But there is one bang in the middle of this area.
And it is called Penguin Badminton Academy.
Opened in late April, the first set of clients are enjoying themselves this summer with hour long games. But this place will begin to buzz only when its promoter whips up his promotions and gets at least close to one hundred people.
H. Gokulan decided to promote his 2 ground plot which actually lies on the fringe of Nerkundram into a indoor badminton court because he was convinced that there was a need for a space for people to exercise by playing a sport and because he feels that badminton is a better option than walking or exercising in your terrace.
Gokulan worked in the hotel industry and slipped into real estate.
Then, when he saw that his friends in Ramavaram who were members of a local lifestyle club went on to set up a small indoor space to play badminton. That space became very popular and Gokulan was convinced that starting one in this area could be a business proposition.
Today, the indoor place with a clay floor and two courts where 4 people can play with ease in a well designed indoor hall with a high roof is being noticed by young men who want to keep fit and shed weight.
“We have about three dozen people but I must get lots more, says Gokulan a resident of Valasarawakkam.
He must have spent Rs.10 lakhs plus to set up this space.
The courts are open from 5 am to 10 am and from 4 pm to 9 pm.
Members are given one hour slot they fix and choose when they sign up.
The registration fee is Rs.500 and you pay Rs.1500 for 2 months and you are entitled to play for an hour every day.
Women are also welcome – housewives are now allotted the 9 to 10 am slot and they can ask for a coach too if they wish to learn the game.
Gokulan says that though he does not have a inhouse coach, he can invite one if members seek this service.
Members must bring their own racquets and shuttles. Only drinking water is provided and there is no formal space to relax after your game.
But if things work out well then there may be more facilities.
Gokulan hopes to get people from the Virugambakkam and Valasarwakkam areas to sign up since such a facility for indoor sport is just not available now.
The address – 19, Thirumalai Nagar 1st Cross Street, Nerkundram.
Take the Natesan Nagar 5th Main Road off Kaliamman Road, drive deep down beyond the small canal and turn right.
Call 93818 01555, 91768 87858.
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