About Us

Haggis and Haleem Badminton Club


Haggis and Haleem Badminton Club

HHB Annual Doubles Classic 2026 — Eastwood High School

We are the Haggis and Haleem Badminton Club — a friendly, social badminton club based in Newton Mearns, Glasgow. Our name is a nod to the wonderful mix of cultures that make up our club: the Scottish haggis and the South Asian haleem, two hearty dishes that bring people together, much like we do on the badminton court. With 40+ members drawn from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, and Scotland, our club is a vibrant, multicultural community united by a shared love of the game. Our members range in age from their early 40s to their 60s, and while the competitive spirit is always alive, the camaraderie off the court is just as important to us. We are also proud of our HHB Junior Members — the teenage children of our veteran members and the club's upcoming badminton superstars. They bring fresh energy to the courts and are very much part of the HHB family, learning the game alongside the generation that came before them.

We run two weekly sessions, both focused on doubles badminton:

Sunday Sessions
  • Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
  • Venue: Eastwood High School
  • Courts: 4 courts
  • Capacity: 20 players max
Wednesday Sessions
  • Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  • Venue: Parklands Country Club
  • Courts: 2 courts
  • Capacity: 10 players max

Sessions fill up quickly — sign-up is managed through the Spond app. Members will receive an invite via Spond for each session.

We are proud of the diversity and warmth within our group. Whether you are a seasoned player or just looking to stay active and social, the spirit here is always welcoming. Banter, competitive doubles, post-game chai — it is all part of the HHB experience. We are more than just a badminton club — we are a community that has been playing, competing, and growing together for years, right here in the heart of Newton Mearns.

Badminton is one of the most rewarding racket sports for overall health and wellbeing. Research has shown that regular badminton players benefit from improved hand-eye coordination, enhanced cognitive function, and better brain development. The dynamic nature of the sport — with its rapid directional changes, quick decision-making, and strategic thinking — keeps both body and mind sharp, contributing to increased longevity and a healthier lifestyle. But beyond the physical benefits, badminton is deeply rooted in social connection. The doubles format — which we emphasise at HHB — creates natural partnerships and teamwork, fostering meaningful friendships and a sense of belonging. Studies show that this social aspect of sport is equally vital to health and wellbeing, reducing stress, combating isolation, and improving mental health. At HHB, we believe that the combination of vigorous physical activity, mental engagement, and genuine community is what makes badminton such a transformative experience.

Committee Roster

The people who keep the shuttle flying, the courts booked, and the dues paid.

NO. 1
Rukhsar Ahmed
Rukhsar Ahmed
Founder & President
The Shuttle Sultan

Most respected voice in the club. Founding member. Final word on all things HHB.

NO. 2
D
Deepak Tejwani
Founder Member
The Net Judge

Founding member with the most practical, level head in every decision.

NO. 3
Jalal Miah
Jalal Miah
Senior Committee Member
The Smash Strategist

Rukhsar's right hand. Balanced, unafraid to challenge the norm — the think tank behind every call.

NO. 4
P
Prasanna Venkatesan
Senior Committee Member
The Rally Realist

Senior member with a grounded, no-nonsense take on club matters.

NO. 5
Deepesh Shrestha
Deepesh Shrestha
Tournaments, Events & Website
The Bracket Architect

Runs every tournament and event, and keeps the club's digital courts online.

NO. 6
Thomas Jose
Thomas Jose
Treasurer and Debt Collector-in-Chief
The Debt Smasher

Splitwise-meets-Spond wizardry to track who owes what — and the innovative name-and-shame lists to prove it.