Personnel from the Gurkha Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Support Battalion Badminton Team have completed their inaugural overseas sports visit to Nepal as part of Exercise IMJIN SMASH 2025. Twelve players represented the Battalion, taking on a diverse range of opponents including the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, British Gurkhas Kathmandu, British Gurkhas Pokhara, and several respected local badminton clubs.
A defining moment of the tour was the opportunity to train alongside Nepal’s national-level athletes. This rare exposure to elite tempo, technique, and training standards provided invaluable professional development and raised the team’s competitive aspirations.
Defence engagement remained central throughout the visit. A joint session with the Nakhipot Youth Club strengthened community links and showcased how sport can foster international cooperation, mutual understanding, and youth development.
The team later moved to Pokhara for the final competitive phase, facing the Kaski District Badminton Association and British Gurkhas Pokhara. The fixture at British Gurkhas Pokhara held particular significance for several players who began their Army careers there, adding a personal and emotional dimension to the tour.
Cultural immersion featured prominently. The team observed the iconic Gurkha Selection Doko Race and visited the Gurkha Memorial Museum, deepening their appreciation of the heritage that underpins the Brigade of Gurkhas.
The tour enhanced team cohesion, technical performance, and resilience, while reinforcing the enduring bonds between British and Nepali military and civilian communities. It stands as a successful example of sport supporting defence engagement, cultural understanding, and professional growth.
