Judy Devlin Hashman, the legendary badminton player who made history by winning the all-England badminton singles championships 10 times, passed away on Monday in Oxford, England at the age of 88. Her son Geoff Hashman confirmed her death, revealing that she had been under cancer hospice care.
Before the establishment of a world championship or inclusion in the Olympics, the All England Open Badminton Championships was considered the pinnacle of the sport. Hashman clinched her first women’s singles title at the event in 1954 at the age of 18, and went on to secure a record-setting nine more titles, with her last victory in 1967. Additionally, she also won seven women’s doubles titles, six of them alongside her sister Susan Devlin, later known as Susan Peard.
Born on October 22, 1935, in Winnipeg, Canada, to J. Frank Devlin and Grace Devlin, Judy Devlin Hashman’s remarkable tally of 17 titles at the all-England championships places her in the ranks of badminton greats like Sir George Thomas and her father, who both competed in the 1920s.
Despite excelling in field hockey, lacrosse, and tennis, Hashman made badminton her top priority from a young age. She married George Cecil Kenneth Hashman, known as Dick, in 1960, and continued her dominance in the sport under the name Judy Hashman.
Her son Geoff, another son Joe, her sister Susan Peard, and a grandson survive her. Her husband passed away in 2021.
Hashman’s final all-England title in 1967 was a hard-fought battle against Noriko Takagi of Japan, where she staged a remarkable comeback to secure her 10th championship. Following her retirement in 1967 after winning 12 U.S. singles titles, Hashman was inducted into the International Badminton Hall of Fame.
Known for her simple yet effective playing style, Hashman’s legacy in badminton will always be remembered. Despite the lack of financial rewards in the amateur sport, she remained dedicated to the game throughout her career, teaching English and geography to support herself.
In retirement, Hashman authored several books, including her autobiography, and made a notable appearance on the BBC radio program “Desert Island Discs.” She expressed no regrets about choosing badminton over tennis, citing the quick pace and constant mental engagement of the sport as her preference.
Judy Devlin Hashman’s impact on the world of badminton will continue to inspire future generations of players, as her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to the sport leave an indelible mark on its history.
