Misha Zilberman, the face of Israeli badminton and a player who has become known for travelling to all four corners of the planet to play badminton, gives an insight into why he does what he does.

Zilberman, currently ranked 47 in the world, is very hopeful of representing Israel for the third time at the Olympics after participation in London and Rio. In order to ensure his spot, Zilberman is a player who is the most willing to travel far and wide for these points. For example, his two tournament finals in 2019 came in Lagos, Nigeria and Campinas, Brazil. At the latter, he took home the Brazil International Challenge title. Explaining why we so often see him play in these exotic places, he says.

- First reason, playing in those countries is fun. I have a lot good support and that gives me very good motivation to go for those places. The second reason is the possibility to keep my international ranking, which depends of my fitness and chances to play well. 

For the European Games bronze medalist, singles is his main category, however Zilberman does still often enter into the mixed. Asked why that is, he responds.

-Playing mixed for me is more for fun and enjoying the game and less for the ranking. It is sometimes hard to explain the word ‘enjoy’ to players who are playing, and, in their mind, it is just we must win, we must show our best. This gives a lot of stress and it limits the game and the overall enjoyment. For me it is more like trying our best with positive energy even if we are losing. Normally, I play with my mum or a good friend only. It also gives me a good chance to get the feeling of the hall before my main category. 

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Experience

Zilberman, 31, is in the twilight of his career. Discussing whether it is physically sustainable to continue playing two categories, he says. 

- I am used to playing two categories and my fitness is enough for this. I think, the age is a big plus for me, because only now I started to understand more the tactical game and to use my experience I have accumulated over the years. For me I think that this is why many players can keep playing a longer career.

As mentioned by the Israeli number one, he often plays mixed with his mother, Svetlana Zilberman. The very lady we learnt last month who got her son into the sport. Now in her sixties and still playing, sharing her secret on how she does this, Zilberman states. 

-My mum is a very good example for me and for many players in Europe. She still keeps in good fitness and every day she is working with the racket on the court. Two years ago, we won together a challenge tournament in mixed! I believe that you will see us in some world tour tournaments and for sure at the next European Championships. 

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Now and beyond

When it all does come to an end, we will have a badminton star who has collected a lot of experience over the years. We ask if he is planning to share that with the next generation of players?

- Of course, I will continue in badminton and I will help each player in Israel who will want my help in coaching and to improve their game. I will also take on my parent’s academy and will try to bring the players to the top.

Lastly, Zilberman points to his biggest dream he would like to achieve in his playing career and beyond.

- My biggest dream now is to bring more medals from the European Championships. My dream for the future after finishing my active badminton career is to continue as a badminton coach with my parents. I think, my experience will be very useful for young players, and bring my players to a European medal as I did.