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Humans of Shuttle Time: Veronika Protassova

TEXT BY BWF STAFF

This is the 39th story in our Humans of Shuttle Time series, in which we present the perspectives of those who work on badminton development at the grassroots level. Veronika Protassova, Shuttle Time Teacher with Kazakhstan Badminton Federation, talks about her fascination with badminton and her efforts to popularise it.

Childhood Days

I was born into a sport-loving family in Shymkent city. My father was the judo coach of the region. Since childhood, I have been involved in various sports, and also in dancing. My brother and I were active children. Maybe because of that my father brought me to badminton at the age of 11; I have been connected it with it ever since. In the beginning I didn’t like badminton, but my father always told me that I could achieve anything I wanted.

Early Impressions

My father introduced me to a coach in Shymkent. The first time I saw badminton I was amazed by everything – the speed, agility and reaction, aside from how beautiful it was. All this continue to fascinate me.

After completing my career as a player, during which time I had some high results, I became a full time coach in the same hall where I trained. From that moment badminton opened up a new side. I’m now sharing my experience and knowledge with children and giving them everything I know.

Memorable Moments

Traveling to competitions with my team. Meeting other athletes and coaches. Each competition was memorable, each event has his own story. I remember a training camp where I met other trainers, and was introduced to new kinds of training. At tournaments, I observed players and coaches and tried to pick up new styles of play and new coaching methods.

What Makes Badminton Special

The speed of the shuttlecock makes it one of the fastest sports in the world. It is reported that badminton is included in the training programme of cosmonauts.

Badminton for me is not just another sport; it is my life, my passion and love. It drives me to improve myself as a coach every day.

I see a lot of people who want to play and coach. I see the desire of children and this motivates me. The experience that badminton gives is multifaceted. This experience can be applied in many ways in life. From my side I’m trying to popularise badminton through social media.

Impact of Shuttle Time

Now we know how easy it is to introduce badminton to children and coaches. With access to free resources, the level and quality of trainers has improved. There are new methods of work and coaching programmes.

The special feature of Shuttle Time is that it gives the ability to train children in a correct and easy way. Training can be fun and safe and effective at the same time. Even coaches from different sports can become badminton coaches through the Shuttle Time programme.

Previous Stories in This Series

Humans of Shuttle Time: Robbert De Keijzer

Humans of Shuttle Time: Carolina M Vaughn

Humans of Shuttle Time: Sam Paterson

Humans of Shuttle Time: Deki Tshomo

Humans of Shuttle Time: Hadeel Mohammad Alomari

Humans of Shuttle Time: Daiverson Ferrari Rodrigues

Humans of Shuttle Time: Ammar Awad

Humans of Shuttle Time: Carolin Ruth

Humans of Shuttle Time: Caroline Brial

Humans of Shuttle Time: Danny Ten

Humans of Shuttle Time: Mohlala Mopeli