Lots of information to share about what’s been going on over the past few days on planet bad. We take stock at the start of the week. With good news, and others, much sadder.
Anya Tatranova, like many other badminton players in France, are directly affected by the war in Ukraine
War affects the bad, too…
It is difficult to begin this overview without mentioning the appalling war which began last week in Ukraine. So, of course, first of all, the whole Badzine team thinks of the Ukrainians, in France and around the world, affected in their pulpit by this war. There are many of them, badminton players, who regularly set foot on the courts of France, with a strong tradition of exchanges between our two countries. Some have even elected domicile in France, such as Natasha Esipenko and Konstantin Tatranov, whose daughter, Anya Tatranova, is today one of the best young tricolors. But also many players who are part of the workforce of French clubs. We are thinking of them and their families. While the IOC strongly condemned this Russian military intervention,
Dmytro Zavadsky (UKR) and Vladimir Malkov (RUS)
the international badminton institutions are also starting to communicate: this morning, Badminton Europe announced that Russia and Belarus fell into the category of ‘Non Good Standing’ nations – that is, in a position where they were no longer welcome, especially for the executive boards and that they would no longer receive subsidies until further notice. Regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in competitions, no decision has yet been taken, Badminton Europe is currently working on the subject with the International Federation. The latter sent a press release this morning announcing for the moment that all competitions in these two countries were canceled, and that the flags should no longer be present at BWF competitions – no announcement of ban athletes to this day.
The French Federation for its part very quickly communicated last week and recalled its attachment to the values of solidarity towards the 35 Ukrainian athletes licensed in France and, according to the press release published on the official website “is exploring all possibilities with the Olympic movement and the government regarding the future of its interactions with Russian badminton.“
Come on, we’re trying to be a little lighter for the rest of the day’s news despite this tragic information…
Arnaud Merklé wins in Uganda
Arnaud Merklé wins in Uganda and gets closer to the world top 60
The Alsatian was a hit this weekend in Kampala, Uganda, for an International Challenge tournament (at the gates of the World Tour, therefore), by winning the competition. Not without difficulty, because the tricolor almost lost in the quarter-finals against Danylo Bosniuk, a Ukrainian who also plays in the French championship, at the Rostrenen club. Merklé won this match 22/20 in the third set. Seeded N1, the only player from the French team competing in this competition then won the Indian Janhardanan in the semi-final, then his compatriot Aggarwal in the final, 21-15, 18-21, 21-16. This victory – his second on an International Challenge tournament – comes after a final not played in India (Covid) on a Super 300, a few weeks ago and proves the state of form of the Frenchman, who should pocket 4000 points after his victory and progress in the world rankings, passing in particular in front of Lucas Claerbout and Christo Popov and flirting with the world top 60.
Drop the masks!
Finally, from this Monday, February 28, masks will no longer be compulsory in gymnasiums for those who have a complete vaccination pass. Good news !
Elections…. or not
The French Federation organized a general meeting last week with a vote to replace three starters from the management team. But the voting process – very complicated with several rounds and the need to obtain 50% of the votes despite the presence of more than two candidates in this second round – will only have allowed the governing body to elect only only one candidate – Sarah Grammatyka. Too bad, while the executive would need reinforcements for this current mandate. It will therefore be necessary to wait for the next assembly – with, perhaps a revision of the statutes to avoid this scenario? The GA, broadcast live, can be seen HERE
2023 organizers revealed
Saint Orens and Blagnac (33) will host the 2023 French Para-badminton Championships (January) while it is the town of Elancourt, in the Yvelines, which will organize the top 12 finals in May of that same year.
Orleans Masters – very heavy to come
A host of stars will travel to Orléans for the Masters which will be held from March 29 to April 3. Toma Popov Junior will have a lot to do to defend his title – he is seeded 4, but in front of him, the Indian Praneeth, the Dane Vittinghus and the Dutchman Caljouw will be present. The Canadian Michelle Li will be the favorite among the ladies, 12th in the world. And good news for the public, almost all the best tricolors will be present. We will very quickly on Badzine a more exhaustive point of the forces present. The draw will take place from March 16 at 6:30 p.m. Note that the first edition of the International Badminton Show had to be postponed to 2023. To buy tickets, it’s this way
That’s it for the news, you can turn off your smartphone or computer and return to normal activity
Have a good week,
Photos : Badmintonphoto
