Mauritius, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, is known for its beaches, lagoons, and reefs, but Kate Foo Kune has played her part in putting it on the map in the badminton world. 

The African women’s singles player reached a career-high of 57 in the world in 2016, following receipt of the All African Games gold and Mauritius Sportswomen of the Year award the previous year. She has achieved all of this while training and playing away for most of her career. Sharing how this has been for her, she says.

- I left home around nine years ago already. Time really flies because it feels like not so long ago actually. Of course, in the beginning, it was hard to be away from everyone I knew, but I left to get better at badminton, and I did, so I am really grateful for that.

Much like the distinctive Mauritian flag, Foo Kune has had a colourful mix of places she has been living. Talking us through it she explains.

- Yes, that story is not simple! I started off with one year in Malaysia training full time in Kuala Lumpur, then moved to Leeds, England, where I was studying and training at the same time in the performance centre. Unfortunately, after a year the centre closed, so I relocated to the suburbs of Paris where I trained at the IMBC92 club and studied a bachelor’s degree at the same time. They took me in with an open heart and I grew so much as a badminton player in that club. I will be forever grateful. Afterwards, I moved to Germany for a while before ending up in Holbæk, Denmark, at the Centre Of Excellence, where I have been for the past two years. Time really flies!

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Family, sun and sea

Foo Kune, the four-time and reigning African Champion loved her time at Issy-les-Moulineaux in Paris. Elaborating on why and whether she misses home, she states.

- I have very fond memories of this place and I also love French culture. I speak French too which helps. I do sometimes miss home. I mostly miss my family, the sun, and the sea.

Foo Kune, 27, finds time to return home around once a year, for the Mauritius International. This year she hopes to go home for Christmas if the pandemic allows it. It goes without saying that moving away from home is a tough task, but has she ever regretted it?

- No, never. Moving away was the best decision for my personal growth and career likewise.

Lastly, after almost a decade away from home, we asked Foo Kune if she will move back to Mauritius one day?

- Perhaps one day, but right now there are no plans of going home yet.