KUDUS – Excited Girls Kudus was born out of a simple need: finding friends to play badminton with. Established on November 1, 2025, the women-only community began with just three members.
Over time, the group has expanded steadily. What started as small, informal sessions has grown into a regular fixture for women of all skill levels.
The community welcomes everyone, from experienced players and those still mastering the basics to individuals looking to return to an active lifestyle. Previous playing experience is not a requirement to join.
Friska Amelia Riski, administrator of Excited Girls Kudus, recalled how the community was founded by just three individuals.
"It started with three people and then just grew and grew," Friska said.
As more women joined, these simple meet-ups developed into a routine schedule.
The influx of members has brought diverse skill levels to the court. While some members are still learning fundamental techniques, others are adept at reading ball trajectory, managing shots, and maintaining the game's rhythm.
This variety provides opportunities for peer-to-peer learning. Members can observe others' techniques, experiment with new playing styles, and gain valuable experience during shared sessions.
Joining a new community can be daunting, a feeling Afliyatus Sholihah experienced when she first attended an Excited Girls Kudus session.
Unfamiliar with the other members and self-conscious about her limited playing ability, she felt initial hesitation before stepping onto the court.
However, the warm welcome from the existing members made her experience much easier.
"My first experience was very positive because the members were kind, friendly, and supportive of one another," she said.
For Afliyatus, the routine meetings eased the adjustment process. Going from a newcomer who didn't know anyone, she gradually formed close bonds with others who shared her passion.
Badminton has become more than just physical activity; it has served as a gateway to new friendships.
For beginners, feelings of intimidation often arise when playing alongside more skilled athletes. The fear of being unable to keep up with the pace or potentially hindering a partner can discourage newcomers from participating.
Excited Girls seeks to bridge these skill gaps through what they call a “support system.”
Novices are paired with more experienced members. This approach keeps the game flowing while providing new players the opportunity to learn directly on the court.
The community also periodically hosts coaching sessions to help members refine their technique and better understand gameplay strategies.
This was the experience of Vina Tri Aristyani. Before joining Excited Girls, she typically played badminton casually at home or at local courts during her spare time.
Since joining, she has begun to grasp aspects of the game she previously understood little about.
“Now that I am part of this group, I understand the tactics. It is no longer just hitting without purpose,” Vina explained.
For her, badminton is no longer just about hitting a shuttlecock over a net. Strategy, positioning, reading the flow of the game, and communicating with one’s partner all shape the outcome of a match.
Excited Girls Kudus holds regular sessions every Saturday night, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM Western Indonesian Time.
Participants pay a fee of Rp15,000 per session, which includes court use and shuttlecocks. For members who do not own a racket, the community provides them for use during play.
Occasionally, regular sessions are supplemented with coaching for members seeking to improve their skills.
However, the gatherings do not always end when the game does.
After leaving the court, some members continue their evening by chatting or sharing coffee. These moments provide an opportunity to socialize in a more relaxed setting.
Vina noted that she feels comfortable in an environment composed entirely of women. For Afliyatus, the routine activity offers both a space to pursue a hobby and a chance to expand her social circle.
In this way, relationships between members are formed not only through gameplay but also through interactions outside of the badminton sessions.
For Excited Girls, skill level is no reason to delay playing.
Vina encourages women hesitant to start not to wait until they feel sufficiently skilled.
“You aren't a pro right away; you don't master it instantly. It is always a step-by-step process,” she said.
According to her, ability improves gradually through practice and experience. Some start with fundamental techniques, then progress to understanding positioning, reading the trajectory of the shuttlecock, and experimenting with more structured strategies.
Friska hopes Excited Girls will continue to grow and gain broader recognition. She also plans to open branches in other locations to ensure similar activities can reach more women.
Women in Kudus and surrounding areas interested in joining can find schedule information via the Excited Girls Kudus Instagram account. Prospective participants may also contact an administrator via direct message.
Every Saturday night, the court serves as a meeting point for women of varying experience levels.
Some attend to train, others to maintain their fitness, and many simply enjoy the opportunity to play together.
From humble beginnings with just three members, Excited Girls has grown into a community that combines badminton, personal development, and friendship on one court. (OEB/YSR/mainkekudus)
