Competition fierce but Otago sportswomen resolute

Plenty of determination was on display when the three School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology students representing Otago took to the court at the 2026 Tertiary Badminton Cup.

Sarah Chew, Julie Luong and Amy Su, who have about 20 years’ experience with the sport between them, were elated to be representing the South at the event, which was held in Hamilton from 9-10 May.

Sarah’s team, the Otago Burdie Bashers, competing at the cup team level, placed fourth overall and won the Spirit award. This was a massive achievement as it was Sarah’s first time playing in a tertiary-level competition.

Julie also competed at the cup team level for team J4W and was delighted to be awarded the second highest women’s win rate in that competition. She was thrilled to have received this, having played against such strong opponents from universities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Amy’s team competed at championship level and won the spirit award as a reflection of their determination, passion and consideration for each other.

“This year’s competition was fierce and, while we didn’t place as high as we would have liked, we learnt a great deal. Receiving the spirit award was a major moment of pride for us as it reflected the resolve we brought to each of our games,” Julie says.

“What I enjoy most about these national tertiary events, is being able to represent your university in front of your family, friends and peers who are beyond supportive and make the experience all the more special.”

Amy shares this sentiment, and highly encourages fellow Otago students to grab a friend and have a go playing badminton as it’s “very fun and a good stress reliever after a long day of studying and working hard”.

“What stood out to me the most this year was the mix of people and how quickly we came together as a real team. We had four international students in our squad, which brought a different perspective to the game and made our bond feel pretty special.

“At the end of each game day, we'd all have dinner together, hang out at our accommodation, share stories and just have a good laugh while rewatching the livestream of our games,” Amy says.

All three women bring that same passion to their studies and, while they are each at different stages of their degree and have different career pathways ahead of them, they share the same determination to do their absolute best.

Julie is in her second year of completing her pharmacy degree and is keen to become a pharmacist as she has a passion for healthcare, medicines and helping people. Amy is currently completing a Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours, and spent much of her summer exploring her love for chemistry by working in the Otago lab. Sarah is in the second year of her degree and always knew that becoming a pharmacist was the career for her having been inspired by her parents who work in healthcare professions.

“My parents immigrated from Malaysia when they were teenagers, and always prioritised education and hard work. They encouraged me to pursue both academics and extra curriculars, like badminton, so I might be well-rounded and find my passions.

“I’m very grateful to them for their guidance and support over the years, and would encourage other students to get involved in clubs or sports because nothing is ever a waste of time if you’re learning and having fun,” Sarah says.

-Kōrero by Kelsey Swart, Division of Health Sciences Communications Adviser