A New Era Dawns for Oviedo Badminton Club
The 2023/24 season was a challenging one for Oviedo Badminton Club. Despite the club’s youth academy consistently ranking at the top nationally, the first team suffered relegation from the División de Honour for the first time in 13 years, a bitter pill to swallow after securing two league titles in 2015 and 2021. However, a stroke of luck arrived with Granada’s withdrawal from the league, granting Oviedo a reprieve and a chance to rewrite thier story.
The 2024/25 season has seen a remarkable turnaround. Under the guidance of Jonhattan Martínez, who returned for his second stint as head coach, Oviedo currently sits atop their group, boasting an undefeated record after three matches against Arjonilla, Alicante, and Pitius. While Martínez is pleased with the team’s performance, he is even more inspired by the players’ unwavering motivation.
Martínez leads a squad brimming with youthful energy and a “nothing to lose, everything to gain” mentality. Their initial goal was to secure their place in the league as quickly as possible. Though, their remarkable start has ignited a desire to aim higher, challenging for a top spot in the standings.
Martínez emphasizes that short-term success is secondary to building a enduring project for the next three years. He believes in the potential of his young squad, describing them as “strong, confident, and possessing a competitive spirit” capable of making sound decisions under pressure.
“We are planting the seeds for a luminous future,” Martínez states, highlighting the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
The team’s change is evident not only in their league performance but also in their recent triumph in the Copa Iberdrola, a meaningful victory that boosted morale and showcased the club’s promising young talents. Laura Álvarez, a rising star who spent last season on loan at Ravachol de Pontevedra, has made a strong impact sence returning, contributing two crucial points in her appearances against Arjonilla and Alicante.
Álvarez emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication while expressing her deep connection to the club.Another promising prospect is Marcos garcía, a member of the youth team who made his first-team debut this season, earning a point in a doubles match against Pitius. García, who has been with Oviedo for over a decade, embodies the club’s commitment to developing homegrown talent.
“I strive every day to reach the first team,” García shares, highlighting the opportunities and support provided to young players.the future looks bright for Oviedo Badminton Club. With a blend of experienced leadership and a wave of talented youngsters, the club is poised for continued success, both on and off the court.
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