Kyiv is ready to host European badminton’s biggest event, and despite the global pandemic, the 2021 European Championships will be just as special. We touch base with Badminton Europe General Secretary, Brian Agerbak, to hear what he has to say about the upcoming event.
-I am looking forward to the European Championships in Kyiv. We do not have many events happening at moment and I am very happy that finally we can go ahead with these important Championships.
Critical points to be earned
There are few events that match the importance of the European Championships and with the 2021 Tokyo Olympics just around the corner, all European players are ready to give it their all in the last push before the international sports’ biggest event. Both reigning champions and remarkable newcomers will fight for those last crucial points.
-It is always very interesting to see European players competing against each other and especially this time it will be interesting to see the level of the top players in Europe. There are important Olympic Qualification points at stake which adds another level of excitement.
No detail left to chance
Agerbak emphasises the important role that the host country, Ukraine, has played in this long and exhaustive process. Cooperation has been a key element and thanks to a collective effort from all parts, the preparation has run smoothly although the obvious difficulties that everyone has had to face due to the current situation.
-The Ukrainian hosts have been really good as well and I am sure that we together can showcase European badminton in the best possible way.
Ukraine will be hosting their first ever European Championships and it’s sure to be an inspiring and thrilling event. Even after the cancellation and eventual postponement from 2020 to 2021, there was a lot to be prepared and even if Covid-19 complicated the organisation of such big championships, there was nothing that could stop everyone’s hard work.
-Preparations have been thorough and intense. It takes more planning, decisions and communication to organize tournaments during Covid-19 but my team has worked really hard to ensure the safety of all participants.
The road to Kyiv 2021
The world of badminton in Europe had to deal with a severe blow when the 2020 European Championships were first postponed and eventually cancelled. Still, despite the hardships, Kyiv stepped in as a host once again and allowed for players and fans alike to look forward to the upcoming year with a spark of hope, and today the city is ready to welcome the incredible event.
-It has been a long and winding road. The Championships were supposed to be played in Kiev a year ago. It was then postponed before it was finally cancelled. I am therefore really happy that our friends from Ukraine took it on themselves to organize the 2021 edition of the European Championships despite continued restrictions.
The 2021 European Championships will take place in Kyiv, Ukraine from 27 April to 2 May. For more information about the 2021 European Championships, click here.