|| Carlos Duno
It is the first time in history that the country hosts an event of this discipline with representation from nine nations.
After months of planning, the opening ceremony of the Venezuela International Badminton Open was finally held this Thursday afternoon, which will feature a total of 80 athletes representing nine countries. It is the first time that Venezuela will host a tournament of these characteristics.
At the opening of the event, the governor of the state of Aragua, Karina Carpio, attended, as did Jorge Briceño, president of the Aragua Regional Sports Institute (IRDA) and also Dhayisbell Torrealba, the absolute authority of the Venezuelan Badminton Federation.
Yesterday, on the opening day, a total of 55 matches were played as part of the first and second rounds of the tournament. Today there will be 20 quarterfinal duels, while tomorrow will be the semifinals and this Sunday will be the finals.
The Venezuela International Open has five categories: both men’s and women’s individual, team and mixed team. Athletes from the United States, Peru, Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, Italy, Austria, Dominican Republic and Venezuela participate in the tournament. In total, 33 athletes are local and 47 are from abroad.
Governor Karina Carpio stated that Aragua “is a sporting state” and that this tournament is another “impulse” to consecrate the entire entity in terms of international events.
For his part, Jorge Briceño explained that the event will give points to the Olympic Route and has high-level players. “The reception has been very positive and it is expected to be a thermometer for future events in the country. The activity concludes this Sunday with the finals and the respective awards ceremony,” said the IRDA boss.
Jesús Gutiérrez, Mexican referee, explained that he has been surprised by the support the event has had since he arrived in the country. “There is great support from the Federation and the Venezuelan state to organize this international event. Venezuela will be on top before America and the world for this event,” explained Gutiérrez.
For his part, Jordan Martínez, coach of the Venezuelan national team, was grateful and assured that his athletes are going for the highest place on the podium despite having figures from Guatemala, Mexico, Italy and the Dominican Republic.
FRANK BARRIOS WANTS TO MAKE THE HOUSE RESPECTED
The Aragüeño athlete Frank Barrios stated that he will try to get all the medals he can in the first international tournament of his career in Maracay.
“My expectations for this event are high because I want to defend my house. This is my city and I have to do my best to defend it. I will give 100% of my abilities to ensure respect for the house,” commented Barrios.
Frank Barrios, 24, will compete in his second Pan American Games at the end of the month after the 2019 experience in Lima. “I hope to place myself better in the positions, I am willing to give everything for the national tricolor,” said the Aragüeño.
Regarding the first tournament in Aragua, Barrios stated that “as an Aragüeño I did imagine an event here, I dreamed of an event in Venezuela, but I never expected it here in Maracay. It’s brutal that it’s here. “This is my home and I know it has all the requirements to hold a high-quality event.”
MORE EVENTS IN MARACAY
The South American Badminton Confederation and the Venezuelan Badminton Federation invited the entire country to participate in the next South American Adult and Youth Badminton Championship, an event that will be held in Maracay from December 4 to 12.
On this occasion, it will be the indoor gymnasium of the Bicentenaria University of Aragua that will receive the greatest exponents of badminton in South America. The event will have free adult and youth categories from Sub-11 to Sub-19.
CENTRAL AMERICAN MEDALIST PRESENT
Yeison del Cid, current silver medalist at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games, hopes to reach at least the semifinals of the tournament. Del Cid has extensive international experience despite being only 19 years old.
“The tournament is a bit strong, there are rivals with a high level from different countries. I have been playing for nine years and I hope to reach the semifinals in the individual category,” del Cid stressed.
He added that he has not had the opportunity to go out to explore the streets of Maracay, but he found the Mauricio Johnson gym nice and is interested in exploring the city after the competition.
2023-10-06 01:07:25
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