Who said what in and around the badminton world over the past week?
“I don’t know what percentage I’m at. What I do know is I will be at 100 per cent for the Olympic Games, this I have no doubt about. My knee is perfect, and it’s been a long time since I felt any discomfort.”
Carolina Marin sends an ominous warning to her Paris 2024 rivals.
“There will be pressure but we are confident. Our squad is strong and we can beat any team in the world.”
Lakshya Sen upbeat ahead of India’s Thomas Cup defence this month.
“I’ve made great sacrifices for the success of my country and will continue to do so. Hopefully, I will return from the Paralympic Games with a medal.”
Turkey’s Emine Seckin fired up for a great outing at Paris 2024.
“The passion for the sport has kept us going. We didn’t want to give up just because we didn’t make the Olympics. Although it’s our lifelong dream, it’s not the end of our journey.”
Shevon Jemie Lai, and Goh Soon Huat, refuse to pull the plug on their careers just yet.
“Training will be more intense as we get closer to the Olympics. It’s important the Olympics is where they reach their peak.”
Indonesia’s men’s singles coach Irwansyah wants Jonatan Christie and Anthony Sinisuka Ginting to be in their best shape for the big gig.
“I used to sail and one day when there was no wind for sailing, my teacher introduced me to badminton. I started playing on the beach in the open air, and ended up swapping sailing for badminton.”
Brazilian Fabiana Silva on how her journey as shuttler started.
FROM SPAIN MASTERS 2024
“We aim to break in to the top 20 this year. And we haven’t won at Super 500 so hopefully we can do that as well.”
Sabar Karyaman Gutama says he and Moh Reza Pahlavi Isfahani are going for greater targets after winning the men’s doubles.
“I learned that bad days happen but you can still pass it. Just don’t give up and keep your focus.”
Ratchanok Intanon after winning her first title since Malaysia Open 2022.
“I love this country. People are so lovely. Hopefully the next time I’m here, I can get a title.”
Yap Roy King hopes to build on the runner-up finish he attained with Junaidi Arif.
“Even if people don’t say anything, I have my own expectations. Which athlete doesn’t want to win? Whether it’s from others or myself, I have that pressure.”
Loh Kean Yew after ending his three-year title drought.
“We are a lucky generation because Olympics is at home. Badminton is getting bigger in France, especially in the eyes of the authorities. France can be one of the leading nations in the sport.”
Toma Junior Popov on the impact of Paris hosting the Summer Games.
“I don’t like the weather because it’s rainy and cold! But I’m happy to back here in Madrid where we became European champions for the third time (in 2022).”
Stefani Stoeva joking about a different experience in Spain this year.