RSL Kharkiv International 2019 | What Big Names Say
In 30 days, Kharkiv will host the oldest and the most prestigious Ukrainian badminton tournament, which has a status of International and is a part of the Badminton Europe Circuit.
We have talked to some big names (players and officials), who already took part in some previous tournaments and will join the tournament of 2019.
Hope, these views and opinions will add motivation to all players, spectators, and organizers to be in Kharkiv on the 4–8th of September and to enjoy RSL Kharkiv International! :)
Jan Louda, Badminton Player from the Czech Republic, winner of Men’s Singles Category at Kharkiv International 2018
Hi Jan, do you plan to defend your title this year?
Unfortunately, I am not going to play on Kharkiv International this year, because it doesn’t fit my plan. Due to the Olympics qualification, the level of the players will be very high, so instead of Kharkiv International, I am going to play in Belarus one week before Kharkiv.
What do you think about the level of players, who attended the tournament last year? Did you like the way the tournament was organized?
Last year it was my second time I had been to Kharkiv. I really like the hall, the organization is great every year. In my opinion, the level of the players was quite high but I was ready to win!
In the semifinal match, you played against Ukrainian champion, Artem Pochtarov. Do you remember that match? Would you like to meet him someday on the court again?
Of course, I remember that match. We played for over one hour, so it was very exhausting. Artem is a great athlete in perfect condition, so it was very difficult to beat him.
For all players, who may have some doubts: is it worth to take part in Kharkiv International 2019?
To my mind, it totally worth!
Patrik Wennstrom, Badminton Europe Certificated Umpire, MVP Umpire of the tournament in 2018
Patrik, two years in a row (2017 and 2018) you were an umpire at the tournament in Kharkiv. Did you notice any changes in the way it was arranged?
There were not so many changes between these two years. One was that the organizers increased the days of playing by one extra day. That was because of the large number of players who wanted to play the qualification. That is not so common to do on a tournament in the European Circuit. But as an umpire, I appreciated it very much because the days in the hall were shorter.
You had a chance to be an umpire at many European tournaments. What do you think about the level of Kharkiv’ s tournament?
The level of the tournament is quite normal for a European International. But because of the location (Ukraine), it attracts players from other countries than the Western European tournaments do. And the level of players is also quite good. But it is also a good start for many of the young Ukrainian players. Just to experience the nerve of an international tournament.
In 2018, you were recognized as the best umpire of the tournament. What would you like to advise your colleagues, umpires, who will be at Kharkiv International this year?
I am not sure if that is correct. Nothing official anyway. It was a few line judges who thought I was the best umpire. I am not sure players who lose agree. But as always, the best advice is: “Adapt to the situation.” Be yourself, be fair, enjoy the lovely Ukrainian hospitality, and be prepared to give a speech. It is a great tournament and I hope I can come back some time.
Read the interview with Patrik Wennstrom to know more about how to become a certificated umpire: here.
Artem Pochtarov, Ukrainian #1, bronze medalist of Men’s Singles Category at Kharkiv International 2018
Artem, shall we see you at the tournament this year?
Yes, of course! I plan to participate in this hometown tournament this year.
Do you make some special preparations for the tournament?
I am getting myself prepared for every tournament as max as I can because all competitions in the Olympic year give you important points. Moreover, this is my home tournament and all my friends will support me, so I want to be in the top place!
Last year, you became bronze medalist. The only player you lost to was Jan Lauda from the Czech Republic. Would you like to meet him for a badminton “vendetta”?
Actually, last year I got my best result at this tournament… The 3rd place isn’t so good but I am getting stronger and stronger mentally and expect to improve my results. Many people who cheer for me also expect a good result and it is not so easy!
Of course, we have a lot of places to see and many good restaurants to visit but first of all, you should go to Gorky Park, Shevchenko Park, visit our museum at metro Radianska, theatre Khatob (auth: The Kharkiv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre)… It is up to you to choose any place! Kharkiv is a really lovely city, so you are welcome!
Artem Stasiuk, General Secretary of Badminton Federation of Ukraine
Artem, the international tournament in Kharkiv has been held for over 10 years, but there is still little information about it on the Internet. What are the first things that pop up in your mind when you think of Kharkiv International?
Actually, this year, Kharkiv International celebrates its 10th anniversary. There are many things that I think of. The European level competitions, Kharkiv is a nice and beautiful city, with a lot of beautiful girls in it. A beautiful badminton holiday in Ukraine!
Why should European, as well as athletes from other countries, take part in this year’s tournament?
This year it is very important for all Europeans to take part in such tournaments as Kharkiv International because of the qualifying period for TOKYO 2020, which has already started. Kharkiv International gives a very good rating and points for the 2020 Olympics selection process.
What will be the prize pool of the tournament and how many participants do you expect?
The prize pool is $25 thousand and we expect to reach a record number of participants of about 200 players!
There will be a large tournament in the capital of Belarus, Minsk, a week before the tournament in Kharkiv. The Chinese national team has announced its application for the tournament and Lin Dan, the star of the World’s badminton, is in the application. Should we expect some star guests in Kharkiv?
Indeed, Lin Dan will visit an international tournament in Minsk. This is a promising signal for all Eastern European tournaments and Belarus in particular, the country, which hosted the II European Games this year.
Regarding our tournament, the registration is still opened and you never know… But we expect a very strong male couple from England, which has a strong world ranking today.
All the tournament participants, we had a chance to speak with, noted the high level of organization of the tournament. What improvements can be expected in 2019? Does the Federation plan to promote the tournament actively so that “Lokomotiv” sports center is filled with fans at least during the final matches?
The Badminton Federation of Ukraine (BFU) strives to improve the quality of conducting international tournaments in Ukraine every year. This year, Kharkiv International will be also held at a high level and meet all international requirements. The team of the Badminton Federation of Ukraine together with the team of the Kharkiv Badminton Federation will do their best.
Tribunes… We use all kinds of media platforms to inform people about the tournament and to advert it (Facebook, ads on the Internet, subway, radio, etc.).
Badminton Federation of Ukraine on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ukrainianbadminton/
We really hope many fans will come to support Ukrainian athletes this year, who will be able to take part in interesting competitions and receive valuable prizes and a lot of positive emotions!
See you at “Lokomotiv” in Kharkiv on 4–8 September 2019!
by Max Sydorenko,
special for “This Is Badminton” Blog,
07.08.2019
Special thanks to our Blog’s partner and supporter, e-shop of sports equipment and clothes, ZALIZKO: zalizkoshop.com.ua
