Who said what in and around the badminton world over the past week?
“She’s a fighter, she has come back. Right now, she’s on the lowest rung of the podium, she’s not going to stop until she reaches the top.”
Coach Gaurav Khanna buoyed by Palak Kohli’s two bronze medals at the recent Brazil Para Badminton International – her first event back on tour after almost a year.
“We should not talk. Achieve first, then talk.”
Aaron Chia keeping expectations low ahead of the Malaysia Masters, where a local shuttler has not won for five years.
“The Korean team has had ups and downs over the past 19 years, but recently it has become stronger beyond individual strength. It seems the national team has gained a lot of motivation and desire to compete.”
Park Joo Bong thinks highly of the progress Korean badminton is making.
“Maybe I won’t get another chance to go to the Olympics, but I’ve achieved that goal, just not so perfect.”
Tai Tzu Ying, who finally won an Olympic medal – a silver – at Tokyo 2020.
“There are endless benefits to badminton for women who have, or are recovering from, cancer. A badminton racket is lighter for those who feel too frail or ill for a different sport.”
Coral Warren, whose decades using badminton to support women with cancer won her a British Empire Medal earlier this year.
“It will be hard but we can have dreams and maybe realise them one day.”
Canadian Para badminton player William Roussy on his medal prospects at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
“After Tokyo 2020, I spent some time relaxing at my parents’ home. During that time, I thought about the future but to be honest, not targets. I just want to show an exciting game for the many people who watch my matches.”
Akane Yamaguchi doesn’t want to think too far ahead.
“We trained with the top players there and enjoyed the sparring sessions. The quality training will help us during the Asian meet as the draw is tough from the opening round.”
Liew Daren on the two-week training Lee Zii Jia took in in Hong Kong as part of his Asia Championships preparations.
“In Malaysia, badminton is not just a game, it’s a feeling. We learn a lot of skills, techniques and tactics, not just simply hitting … like graduating from badminton school.”
Ukrainian Para badminton player Nina Kozlova on being based in Malaysia.
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