In the world of badminton, it’s not just the players and coaches who play a crucial role. The technical officials, such as umpires, also have a significant impact on the game. One such official is Irma Villalpando, a Mexican Pan Am Certified umpire with years of experience and a passion for the sport.
Irma’s journey in badminton began as an athlete, competing at the national level in junior categories. Inspired by the sport, she decided to contribute to its growth in the region by training as a line judge for an international event. From there, she embarked on her career as a technical official.
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Her breakthrough came when she was selected to be a line judge and umpire for the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadalajara. Under the guidance of Enrique Charadan, Irma honed her umpiring skills and learned everything about line judging. This experience laid the foundation for her career.
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Over the years, Irma gained valuable experience by officiating at national and international events, which led to her nomination by her federation for accreditation as a Pan American umpire. Her English proficiency played a crucial role in this process, and she successfully became a Pan Am Accredited umpire in 2013.
The Pan American Accreditation and Certification courses for Umpires and Referees provide essential training for technical officials, promoting their careers at the international level. Irma’s evaluation during these courses showcased her talent, along with other umpires and referees like Juan Jose Valencia, Ricardo Salamanca, Dionne Haynes, and more. Today, they are highly recognized technical officials.
At 19 years old, Irma earned her Pan American Accreditation, which opened doors for her to officiate at international tournaments outside of Mexico. She participated in prestigious events such as the World Junior Championship 2015 and the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto. It was a rapid rise in her career, and Irma was filled with mixed emotions, having admired the umpires in the previous edition of the Pan Am Games just four years earlier.
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Her excellent performance on the field and in different competitions paved the way for more opportunities in various countries. Currently, Irma is seeking BWF Accreditation to continue growing as a Technical Official and contribute to the development of Mexican badminton.
Besides her professional growth, Irma has learned valuable life lessons through badminton. One of these lessons is the importance of not being afraid on the court, regardless of gender. She believes in showing strength and taking control of the match, even when faced with formidable opponents. Badminton has taught her the value of transparent effort and the impact of projecting a positive image, which motivates her to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Irma’s involvement in badminton extends to Para badminton as well. Since 2018, she has been actively promoting and participating in Para badminton events. Initially unaware of its intricacies, Irma was captivated by the sport and its dedicated athletes. She encourages more people to get involved in both badminton and Para badminton, aiming for growth in the region and empowering women to achieve their goals.
In conclusion, Irma Villalpando’s journey as a technical official in badminton exemplifies dedication and passion. Through her experiences, she has overcome challenges and shattered barriers, proving that gender does not define one’s capabilities. She is an inspiration to all women, urging them to dream big, believe in themselves, and pursue their goals with persistence and determination.
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