We are exactly two weeks away from the European Mixed Team Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.
In this continental event, which will get underway from 13 to 17 February, the best eight countries of European Badminton will compete for the title. One of those teams is Spain.
The Spanish team has to deal with the serious injury, which Carolina Marin suffered during the Indonesia Masters last week, in Jakarta, and the fact that it will keep her out of court for several months.
Read: Marin off for 6 to 8 months
Pablo Abian from Spain spoke with Badminton Europe about his participation at the European Mixed Team Championships and his ambitions in general.
Although Spain has qualified for the final stage of the European Mixed Team Championships, it will be without Marin's help. Certainly, the absence of the Olympic Champion is of great importance.
Spain is in Group 1 and will play against the Netherlands, France and the host country Denmark.
- It is very important to be among all these great teams, but on the other hand, it is not easy to compete. But we are ready to fight, Abian said.
A tough draw for Spain
Referring to the draw, Abian commented on Spain's opponents and the possibility of winning a title in this tournament.
- The draw is really tough, but Spain has also good players and we are going to enjoy every single match and do our bests, he said.
Pablo Abian has had the honour of participating in three Olympic Games so far. He is making even efforts to live the Olympic dream one more time.
Minsk: Abian's main goal this year
He also took part in the first edition of the European Games which took place in 2015 in Baku, making a historical victory as the first winner in the category of the Men's Singles.
- For this year, my main personal goal is participating in the European Games. A very significant tournament for me, since it gives points for qualification in the Olympic Games, the Spaniard said.