Who said what in and around the badminton world over the past week?
FROM SPANISH PARA BADMINTON INTERNATIONAL 2023
“He’s my world, my priority. When preparing for matches, I make sure he’s happy, he has eaten, or he’s sleeping. Then I can do my warm-up and prep.”
Three-gold winner Leani Ratri Oktila reveals how her routine revolves around her seven-month-old son.
“I was in a specialised hospital for spinal injuries for two years. I couldn’t move anything at first. After a lot of work, I started gaining more movement in my body and arms.”
Read Sharon Jones-Barnes’ inspiring story here.
“If you want to take away my happiness, you have to take badminton away. It’s my love and passion.”
Nigerian Gbenga Sunday Olanipekun on what the sport means to him.
“Be chilled, more smiley and don’t let yourself get under pressure.”
Meril Loquette on what adopting the ‘Asian style’ from his Indonesian coach entails.
“I’m not aiming to charm anyone, I’m here to win.”
Sooyoung Yu after surprising Chan Ho Yuen Daniel in the WH2 men’s singles quarterfinal.
“I won because I’m younger.”
Hiroshi Murayama, 48, jokes following his WH1 men’s singles semifinal win over 59-year-old Thomas Wandschneider.
“The most important thing is you are having a good time. You have to keep it fun. Win or lose I don’t mind because I’m having the time of my life.”
Daiki Kajiwara on his approach to competition.
“There’s no time to celebrate. We are straight on a bus to Toledo. I want to ensure I’m fit and ready to go again.”
SL3 men’s singles champion Daniel Bethell turns his attention to Spanish Para Badminton International Toledo 2023.
FROM ELSEWHERE
“I like how the Malaysian players train together, have fun all the time and help each other. More importantly, Malaysia has a lot of good food.”
Canadian Talia Ng shares her training experience at Akademi Badminton Malaysia.
“Now everyone in our country can see our hard work is finally producing results. I hope we are an example to other countries.”
Badminton Cook Islands President Thomas Mereana-Ngauru after the nation beat Tonga to take fourth place at the Oceania Mixed Team Championships.
“Tough or not, they have to be in top shape.”
Men’s doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky demands Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik produce their A-game despite a difficult draw at the All England.
“I’m sorry I can’t be with her until the Olympics, but now I’m going to support her from afar. I will remember every moment with her.”
Korean coach Park Tae Sang after parting ways with Pusarla V. Sindhu.
“Patience and discipline come into play for both endeavours.”
Misbun Sidek on the similarities between badminton and fishing, his favourite pastime.
“An established sport in the country with great athletes and plenty of accomplishments, and yet we win a title for the first time. It was a really joyful milestone for us.”
Chess legend Viswanathan Anand rates India’s Thomas Cup win as the highlight of 2022.
“The victory helped me prove myself and show everyone that no matter your age, you can still work hard and achieve anything.”
Ugandan Fadilah Shamika Mohamed Rafi, 17, after stunning the more experienced Johanita Scholtz to become African champion.
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