By Louis Johnston

With his talents nurtured at home, one badminton player is thriving around new friends and the experience of a lifetime.

In true Zespri AIMS Games style, it’s been just as much about friendships and coming together as it’s been about playing sport for the thousands of pupils from over 400 schools, including 12 home-schooled athletes showcasing their talents.

One of those students is home-schooled badminton ace Zaki Hirota, who was first introduced to the sport through his brother - his sole inspiration. 

It’s the youngster's second year of AIMS Games, and he described both experiences as “fun”.

“I think it’s a really good learning opportunity,” he said.

“It’s good to meet and hang out with people.”

He’s the only home-schooled student from Tauranga and the only home-schooled badminton player.

There’s only been one hurdle.

“If you’re not in a school, you don’t really find people to do doubles with,” he said.

But it’s proved no problem as Zaki managed to find a doubles partner in Tyler Shen from Murrays Bay Intermediate in Auckland.

They competed together in the badminton doubles fixtures on Thursday, making it to the quarter finals of Division 4.

So far for Zaki, he has earned three wins from his five opening matchups in pool play and made it to the round of 16.

Now, the sociable youngster is looking forward to playing badminton and making more friends when he goes to Ōtūmoetai College next year.

His mum, Amelia, said Ōtūmoetai College has a “great” badminton programme, and Zaki has already been introduced to some of the coaches and players in the programme.

Article added: Friday 05 September 2025