Three years ago Ieva Pope represented Latvia during the European Games in Baku. Now she hopes to get another shot on qualifying for the European Games in Minsk. To Badminton Europe she mentions why it is so worthwhile to get another chance to participate.
- Well it is not like any other tournament I have been. Not even comparable to team events, which are also great.
- But in European Games all the Latvians were together from different sports supported each other and asked how it was going.
- It was great experience and I could really feel that I was representing my country in big event, not just in any daily tournament
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Top 100
At this moment, Pope’s main focus is Tokyo 2020. On her way to Tokyo, she hopes to stop in Minsk as well.
- I hope I might get close to top 100 already around April, when the qualification for Minsk ends. I also have to play so much better than I did before.
I would like to play there and hopefully with good results so badminton would become more popular in Latvia.
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Professionalism
- Another reason why I would love to go again is to get the feeling again when other Latvian athletes actually learn about badminton and ask about the results. And it is great for me to also see other sports live
Also everything at the European Games feels more professional with more guidance and support from the country.
- It feels like my results matter and that gives even more motivation to show my best!
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