A sudden spike in numbers taking up badminton across Tasmania is a proposed first step to lift state standards up to challenge mainland rivals over future Ede Clendinnen Shield tournaments.
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The inconspicuous sport's national titles are currently being held in Launceston for the first time since 2001.
Tasmania entered its first fixture on Sunday at Elphin Sports Centre rank underdogs up against eight-time reigning champions Victoria.
But in the past two years alone Badminton Tasmania has made great strides, with the latest figures indicating a 400 per cent rise from 350 to 1400 registered players that includes up to 500 students.
Badminton Tasmania is hoping the increase expands the dearth of the talent pool.
"That's certainly the aim over the next few years," state association secretary and the tournament's event director, Robert Brockman, said.
"We're coming from a very small base and a very small ability level as well.
"We do have some real good players, but they are a big fish in a small pond here.
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"When we get these sort of national events, we're just found out a little bit. But on the same token, we're doing as much as we can for those juniors for when they get into senior competition."
The bulk of the additional numbers has been in the state's south where a development officer was hired to grow participation while a more workable fee structure generated more interest.
Badminton Tasmania has also gained national funding to better assist these plans.
"We're looking along the lines to help players to have a better career path and structure, just so they can improve their game to be more competitive," Brockman added.
While badminton is bucking the trend of several sports in the state on the decline, Tasmanians had once been the game's early pioneers.
The state has won seven Ede Clendinnen shields that started with opening 1929 to 1931 trophies and six of the first eight tournaments. But its last title was back in 1962.
The interstate shield series is compulsory for Australian selection and is vital towards a berth at the 2020 Olympics.
Tasmania's best result in recent times is fourth place.
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