Club - Badminton | 7/14/2025 10:00:00 AM

A pair of York University Lions badminton players are among the best university players in the world. 

Victor Lai and Sophia Nong were named last week to the Canadian team for the upcoming FISU Summer World University Games, which begin Wednesday in six municipalities in the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan area of Germany, including the German capital, Berlin.

Nong and Lai were among the 12 student-athletes chosen by U SPORTS in collaboration with FISU and Badminton Canada to bear the Maple Leaf in Rhine-Ruhr. Of the 12 athletes, six (including Lai and Nong), represent a total of four OUA schools, with the others playing at Ontario Tech, Toronto and Western, respectively. 

Nong, a 2025 OUA all-star, says it is a privilege to play for her country – and represent her school – in such a prestigious event.

"I'm incredibly honoured and excited to represent Team Canada," she said. "Competing at one of the world's largest multi-sport events is a dream come true, and a testament to the dedication and hard work we've invested into our athletic pursuits as student-athletes. Wearing the maple leaf and representing York University fills me with immense pride, and I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the legacies of both Canada and York in sport."

Lai, who was named both the OUA men's badminton rookie of the year and the York men's rookie of the year in 2023, shared similar sentiments.

"It's a tremendous honour for me to represent Canada," he said. Representing Canada at these games shows the dedication and hard work I've put in. It's a chance to compete against the world's best student-athletes, and I look forward to repping the Canadian flag in the best way possible alongside my fellow teammates."

The Scarbough, Ont., native says playing at FISU will help him grow his game and make him a better player as he returns to York for 2025-26.

"Playing against such tough competition will provide me with experience I can bring back to the York team next season," said the 2025 OUA all-star. "Also, playing against better players will give me a better understanding of where I need to improve. I am excited to learn new things and bring them to our team."

Nong, a native of Markham, Ont., says she sees this as an opportunity to improve not only her skillset, but her mental game and leadership style off the court.

"This experience will be invaluable in helping me grow as a player, leader, and teammate. Competing against some of the world's best athletes will be an eye-opening challenge that will push me to elevate my technical game, strengthen my mental skills, and boost my confidence. I look forward to bringing the lessons and insights I gain from this experience back to York to inspire and support our badminton team during the 2025–26 OUA season."

Nong will compete in the doubles and mixed doubles competitions. She will be paired up with Eliana Zhang of the McGill Martlets in women's doubles and with Jasper Tang of the Western Mustnags in mixed doubles. Lai, meanwhile, will join forces with Tang in men's doubles while also participating in singles.

Badminton competition begins on July 17 from the Westenergie Sporthalle in Mülheim an der Ruhr.