As a shuttlecock sails across the court, senior Aaron Brijesh dashed forward, delivering a powerful smash, which echoed throughout the gym. As a top-ranked high school badminton player in Illinois, Brijesh takes in moments like these as a testament to years of dedication inspired by his father.

“My dad was the main reason I got into badminton. When I was young we used to play together, and that really sparked my interest in the sport. I remember wanting to beat him at it, and that pushed me to get better,” Brijesh said.

Brijesh’s hard work significantly paid off, including placing second in the junior-ranking tournament. For his coach, Ihsan Warwan, Brijesh’s consistent focus and drive are standout qualities that make him a natural competitor.

“Aaron has a natural focus and determination. He’s always willing to push himself, whether it’s on the court or during conditioning. But what really sets him apart is his ability to stay calm under pressure,” Warwan said.

Warwan has watched Brijesh’s game transform, stating how the athlete has become increasingly tactical over time. With a focus on improving footwork and reaction time, Warwan emphasizes the importance of these skills for competitive badminton.

“Improvement comes from a mix of technique, strategy, and repetition. For my players, I focus a lot on footwork drills and reaction time, which are essential for badminton,” Warwan said.

This commitment extends to Brijesh’s intense training schedule. He practices for two to three hours, six days a week, but ramps up to as much as six hours daily before major tournaments including junior nationals in the U.S.

“It’s intense, but it’s necessary to keep up with competition. The level of dedication it takes to compete at the highest level is something that I’m prepared to commit to,” Brijesh said.

Looking to the future, Brijesh is motivated by the chance to challenge himself against players from across the country and, one day internationally.

“Being ranked in Illinois is great, but my eyes are set on competing with the best across the country and maybe internationally,” Brijesh said.

As his high school career progresses, Brijesh’s work ethic and example are shown to teammates, who often look to him as a leader in training and competition. For Warwan, Brijesh’s steady improvement and resilience continue to set him apart.

“Aaron is definitely a leader by example. He dosen’t always say much, but his dedication and focus during training inspire his teammates,” Warwan said.

See Brijesh live at his next tournament on Dec. 12 at the Midwest Badminton Club in Woodridge