Maria Ulitina, from Ukraine, has revealed to Badminton Europe that her goal is to qualify for the European Games in June 2019.
The 27-year-old from Dnipro was part of the previous multisport event in Baku, Azerbaijan and she described herself as lucky to take part.
A multi-sport event is not new to Ulitina. The 27-year-old participated at the Olympic Games in Rio and beat former World Number One Saina Nehwal in the group stage.
The experience
-The European Games is an event where everyone wants to take part in, just like the Olympic Games, Maria Ulitina told Badminton Europe.
- I was lucky enough to taste it three years ago, it gives you the chance to meet other athletes from different sports, and get to know their lifestyle, their stories, it is very enriching, she said.
- All in all, these events feel like big sports parties that really motivate you to give your best! Ulitina added.
Personal goals
The Olympian believes that it is not easy to qualify for the European Games and with it holding vital points for the World Ranking ahead of the Olympic qualifying year.
Ulitina is determined to improve her previous results at the prestigious competition and she is up for the test ahead!
- The European Games are always challenging. I’ve played them since the first one, and actually, it’s become increasingly difficult to just qualify for them! Ulitina said.
- On a personal note, I want to get a better result than I’ve managed previously, so definitely the challenge is up, she added.