Amid huge celebrations, the Scotland badminton claimed a first ever team medal (bronze) at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Cruelly, they were denied the opportunity to try and stage a repeat in Melbourne four years later. 

But, thankfully, sense has been restored for Delhi next month and Susan Egelstaff, Imogen Bankier and Emma Mason will be heading the Scottish assault on the podium.  

The reason the Scots were denied a team in 2006 is because badminton is not deemed a team sport – hence there is no official world ranking. However, there is little doubt that our side is among one of the best in the Commonwealth. 

Before Scotland’s Games line-up was officially announced on August 18, only singles player Egelstaff, the doubles duo of Bankier and Mason plus 17-year-old Kirsty Gilmour (one of those picked with Glasgow 2014 in mind) were assured of their places. 

They have now been joined by Kieran Merrilees, Watson Briggs, Paul van Rietvelde and Jillie Cooper in the eight-strong badminton team. 

“I honestly didn’t know until the last minute that I was in the team,” said Merrilees, the Glasgow youngster tipped for a bright future. “But it is a huge relief and I’m so excited about the trip to India. I’ve not had the best of seasons, but this is a huge incentive and I am sure we can do well at the Games.” 

Bankier and Mason concurred. “It’s really good,” said Mason. “It was really disappointing that we didn’t get to go to Melbourne. This time, Imogen and I were already assured of our place in the women’s doubles, but it will be so much better to have the team event as well.” 

For Egelstaff, Melbourne was a career highlight. The Glasgow 27-year-old claimed a bronze medal in the singles – and she will be hoping to stage a repeat in the heat of India. It would be even better if she could make it a medal double.  

“It will be nice to have a full team this time,” she admitted. “It also means I will have extra matches at the start of the Games to get ready for the individual events. Last time, it was a long wait. Playing the team event will help everyone get used to the hall and the conditions. 

“I’m not sure what it is going to be like out in India. Obviously, it is going to be hot but, hopefully, the air conditioning will help. I feel I am playing well at the moment and I’m really looking forward to another Commonwealth Games.” 

Anne Smillie, Chief Executive of BADMINTONscotland, is also delighted that the lobbying has helped secure a full team, although she is a little concerned at the lack of cover in the men’s side for the team event.  

“It is only sensible, with 2014 in mind, that everything is done to help our athletes prepare for big events,” said Smillie. “We want everyone to be as well prepared as possible for Glasgow in four year’s time and Delhi will be a great experience for them all. It is a young team – they all should still be playing in 2014.”

EB

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