Dubai World Superseries champion Nozomi Okuhara opens up to Badminton Unlimited on her remarkable career so far and being part of the elite level in the World circuit:
Tough competition
“No matter who you play against, every match is as high level as a final match, so every one of them is 
tough. My goal was to get a medal and to get to the podium. You must defeat each of the top player so I had to play every game at my best.”
On her injury in 2013
“There were people that I didn’t tell about my injury and operation to and they visited me at the hospital; the fact that I was supported by so many people made me want to give back by winning and giving good results. That really motivated me.”
The World Junior title
“When I became the World Junior champion, other international players were already winning several senior titles so although I became a World Junior Champion, I felt that I needed to do more to catch up to those players that were ahead of me.”
Eye on Rio
“I’d like to continue winning more Superseries titles, and have more opportunities to play against top players. Of course the Rio Olympics is attainable by playing all those Superseries, but at each Superseries, I’d like to play aiming for a good result each time.
“I think it’s crucial to focus on each tournament. Those who play well in the Superseries will qualify for the Olympics and those who constantly win at the Superseries level will do well in the Olympics.
Catch Okuhara’s interview on Episode 107 of Badminton Unlimited
BWF Newsletter
