Player Profile: Badminton Scotland’s leading lady Christine Black

Few people embody the spirit of badminton in Scotland like Christine Black. With a career that spans over four decades, she has seen and done it all—from representing Scotland on the international stage to guiding the next generation of players as a team manager at multiple Commonwealth Games, it felt only right to celebrate her work and leadership, continuing the theme from last week’s Women and Girls in Sport Week .

A Storied Career in Badminton

Black began her journey as a badminton player early on,  earning 56 caps as a former Scottish International player. One of her career highlights was winning a bronze medal in mixed doubles at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. “That was a moment I’ll never forget,” she recalls. “Competing on home soil with the crowd behind us made it extra special.”

Her involvement in badminton didn’t end there. In 2009, she became the President of Badminton Scotland, a role she held until 2011, continuing to contribute to the sport in ways beyond her playing career. In recognition of her services to badminton, she was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2015, an honor she credits to her love for the game and the joy it has brought her and others.

Her leadership extended to being the team manager for the Scottish badminton squad at four Commonwealth Games—Manchester 2002, Melbourne 2006, Glasgow 2014, and the Gold Coast in 2018. In addition, she served as a Director on the GB Badminton Board from 2015 to 2023 and currently holds several key positions within Badminton Scotland, including Chair of Performance Director and a seat on the Board Committee. “It’s always been about giving back to the sport that has given me so much,” she says.

A Shift to Masters Badminton

At 40, she made the transition to Masters badminton, competing on an international level. “The Masters level is a fantastic environment,” she explains. “It allows players to continue competing and enjoying the sport well into their later years, and the camaraderie is something truly special.”

For over 25 years, she has also taken on the role of team manager at both European and World Masters tournaments. Her responsibilities as TM are extensive, involving pre-tournament preparations, booking practice courts, attending meetings, and ensuring her team is well-supported throughout the competition. “Being a team manager is more than just logistics. It’s about fostering a sense of unity and making sure everyone feels part of the team.”

Reflections on the Latest Tournament

Last month Black competed at the European Masters championships taking home two medals with Gold in the 65+ mixed doubles with Dan Travers and a silver in the Womens doubles with Lynne Campbell. Black felt satisfied with her performance. “There were a few matches where I felt I could have played better, but that’s always the case with me. I’m my own worst critic,” she admits with a smile. However, she was thrilled to have won a few more medals and retain the mixed doubles title.

From a team manager’s perspective, she was impressed with how well the tournament was run, considering the challenges posed by over 1,500 players competing. “The organization was commendable, though there were a few hiccups, such as transport and the lack of warm-up courts,” she notes. The playing schedule was also a bit intense, with some players required to compete in up to six matches in a single day. “It’s something that Badminton Europe will need to rethink for the next Championships.”

Despite the logistical challenges, the atmosphere in the hall was electric. “It’s always a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends from different nations, and this year was no different,” she says.

Managing a Diverse and Spirited Team

Taking a varied team to the tournament posed its own set of challenges, but it was clear that the Scottish contingent, although smaller in number compared to countries like Germany and England, stood out. “We had a team of 16 players, and even though some had tough draws, everyone was competitive. What really made the experience special was the team spirit,” she beams.

Supporters, including family members of players, helped create a tight-knit community that made a lasting impression. “We may not have had the largest group, but we were the most sociable, and our team support was second to none,” she says. “As team manager, I couldn’t have asked for a better group. It’s not just about winning medals—it’s also about enjoying the experience, and we certainly did.”

Encouraging New Players to Join Masters Badminton

When asked what advice she would give to those interested in joining the Masters team in Scotland, her response is full of enthusiasm. “Badminton is a sport for everyone, regardless of your standard. It’s competitive, fun, and a fantastic way to stay fit.”

She is particularly excited about initiatives like the first-ever East of Scotland Social Masters Tournament, which aims to increase participation. “These kinds of events are crucial for bringing more people into Masters badminton. My advice is simple: take the plunge. Try playing, and you won’t regret it. The social aspect is just as important as the competition, and the Masters community is incredibly welcoming.”

A Legacy of Passion and Dedication

As Christine Black continues to guide and inspire both players and officials in the badminton world, her dedication remains evident in every aspect of her work.

“For me, it’s always been about enjoying the game and fostering a sense of community,” she concludes. “I hope that more people continue to get involved, as badminton truly is a sport for life.”