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One day I was invited to play badminton with the factory workers by Mr Veluchamy. I instantly said yes and was then told that we leave at 5.30am, matches start from 6am. Guess everyone must like early starts in Rajapalayam. The workers play at this time most mornings so felt a bit of pressure representing the UK. Mr Veluchamy said there will be around four or five of us playing the next morning.
When we arrived at the indoor sports hall at the school, it seemed that word of my attendance had spread fast. There were about twenty men from the factory, all wanting to play on the court I was on. When I asked why there were so many that morning, I was told 'Not often do we have international match day.'
After several bouts against the queue of locals, I'd won most of my matches so was both happy and relieved that Blighty was represented justly. One of the players suggested I come every year for some matches. I instead invited him and his friends to play in Henley for the next time.
Another player, Sidney, told me he liked 'Prince of Harry' and 'all of his good deeds.' Thought I best not mention the fancy dress parties and the Las Vegas incident...
It was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my trip so far. Everyone was so friendly and it was fun talking with all the players after. Before leaving, I felt that I had possibly made a good impression on the local badminton community. With a few of the goodbyes, some kept saying 'lovely jubbly' and 'happy chappy' as a nod to my visit.
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dad.x sounds like you're having an amazing time and meeting some lovely people. and well done for winning some matches - i bet they were out to beat you - so good you felt a sense of nationalistic pride and had enough skill to support it. (lets hope the next challenge isn't football!) ha!