(Story Updated 17.11.23)
Badminton England are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of President of Badminton England Diana Troke.
Diana made a significant contribution towards building the profile of badminton in England throughout her career; she was a true ambassador for the game, visiting clubs across the nation on a regular basis and displaying an incredible passion for community badminton.
Diana will also be remembered for her role at the Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships where she was a regular fixture throughout her time in the sport, often playing a key part in the presentation ceremonies on finals day. She loved serving tea and chatting to members who visited the Badminton England lounge.
During her career, she was president of Hampshire County Badminton Association and played a key role in the development of Westgate Badminton Centre in Winchester. She was also a trustee of the National Badminton Museum, and was passionate about recognising and celebrating the history of badminton both domestically and globally.
A badminton family through and through, Diana’s two daughters with husband Graham, Catherine and Helen MBE, were both top-class players in their own right. Catherine and Helen both represented England, with Helen a multiple European champion and winning back-to-back Commonwealth Games singles gold in 1982 and 1986.
Diana made an indelible mark on Badminton England and the wider badminton community through her decades of tireless service, and will be sorely missed by all who knew her and benefited from her work.
Sue Storey Chief Executive Badminton England said: “It was an honour and a privilege to have known Di Troke, one of the greats of the badminton world in her own special way. She served us so well as our President and will be sorely missed by so many of our badminton family. We send our deepest condolences to all the Troke family.”
The whole of Badminton England would like to offer our sincere condolences to Catherine, Helen and the rest of the family at this very sad time.
Diana’s funeral will take place at 12 noon on Tuesday 21st November at St Mark’s Church in Woolston, Southampton. The wake will follow at The Beach Hut Café in Southampton. The family have requested no flowers but anyone that would like to make a donation in Diana’s memory to do so to Hampshire Badminton Association Ltd.
