Australian Badminton Academy

Since 2002 · Olympian-Led

Building character on and off the court.

NSW’s largest and most trusted badminton academy, a centre of excellence where Olympian-led structure meets the genuine enjoyment of sport, for every child.

Most families aren’t chasing a trophy. They want a happy kid who loves coming back. That’s exactly who we’re built for. And if they catch the bug, the pathway’s right here too.

Our Story

A simple vision, two decades in the making.

Founded in 2002 by Olympian Anna Lao AM, we were built on a simple vision: to make world-class, fundamentals-first badminton coaching accessible to every child.

Today we are the largest and most trusted badminton academy in NSW, a centre of excellence that combines Olympian-led structure with professional discipline and the genuine enjoyment of sport.

Our proven coaching system, developed over 20+ years, has a track record of success at every level. We have guided over 10,000 players from their first beginner lesson through to success even at a state and national level.

An ABA coach leading a large group of junior players onto the court at an academy event

Our Founder

Anna Lao AMOlympian

Founder, Principal & Australian Olympian

Anna Lao AM

Anna Lao AM is the heart and driving force of our academy. An Australian Olympian (Barcelona 1992), Commonwealth Games medallist, and Sydney 2000 Olympic Torchbearer, Anna is the most successful badminton player in the history of Australian Badminton. Anna has dedicated her life to the sport, and to building a coaching system that has produced over 50+ national champions, and 200+ state-level players.

1992
Olympian, Barcelona
20+
National titles
AM
Order of Australia

Honours & Record

  1. Member of the Order of Australia (AM), 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours, for service to badminton
  2. Australian Olympian, Barcelona 1992 (Women's Singles & Women's Doubles)
  3. Ranked 5th, 1992 Summer Olympics (badminton's first Olympic appearance)
  4. Olympic Torchbearer, Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch Relay
  5. Three-time Commonwealth Games representative (1990, 1994, 1998)
  6. Silver Medal, Women's Doubles, Commonwealth Games Victoria 1994
  7. Bronze Medal, Mixed Doubles, Commonwealth Games Victoria 1994
  8. Bronze Medal, Team Event, Commonwealth Games (Victoria 1994 & Kuala Lumpur 1998)
  9. Over 20 Australian National Titles
  10. Australian Open "Triple Crown" winner (Singles, Doubles, Mixed), 1989 and 1991
  11. Master of Sports honour (1985)
  12. President, World Chinese Badminton Federation Australian division (since 2012)
  13. Officially accredited National Level Badminton Coach

What Drives Us

The principles behind every session.

  1. 01

    Student Success & Growth

    We focus on helping children reach their potential while building discipline, resilience, and confidence.

  2. 02

    Skill & Technique

    World-class technique delivered within a fun, positive, engaging environment with structured, disciplined training.

  3. 03

    Community

    A supportive, respectful community where players, coaches, and parents build confidence and lasting friendships.

Smashing success, one shuttle at a time

Join the Academy

See why families across Sydney trust ABA to develop their players, on and off the court.

Book a Trial