In Armenia, a country with a proud history that lies in the highlands surrounding the mountains of Ararat, a woman named Lilit Poghosyan had a dream. One that led to her embarking on a life-changing journey.
A major goal for Poghosyan was to qualify for Tokyo 2020 in the women’s singles, something that nobody from Armenia has done before. Unfortunately, this was not to be, but she describes that it has been “a hell of a journey at the Centre of Excellence” and dedicated a post to her fans about this training facility that allowed her to chase her aspirations.
-Coming from a small badminton country with a desire to make history for Armenia and be the first one to represent my country in the Olympics in badminton, a few years ago I took a step forward towards my dreams. I boarded the plane to Denmark to chase my crazy dream.
Unforgettable days
-Being a Centre of Excellence player has been a life-changing experience and I will forever be grateful for those two years I got to practice in Holbæk with amazing people. Those are unforgettable days!
Several months ago, Poghosyan made the decision that she will not move back to the CoE as a permanent player.
-In this kind of situation you have to decide what is best for you. The selfish life of a full-time professional athlete was enough for me and now I feel excited to work on bigger projects in my own country and help others fight for their dreams!
Poghosyan went above and beyond her role as a full-time player while in Denmark, using her journalistic skills to write articles for Badminton Europe that many of you will have enjoyed reading.
I never backed down
-I feel extremely blessed and proud of my career-best ranking of 196 and a ticket to the 2nd European Games, even though it cost me quite a lot of injuries and setbacks. But most of all, I am happy I took a step forward and never backed down even during the hardest times. Those life lessons are priceless, and I will forever be grateful for the times that made me a fighter.
-I would like to say thank you to Badminton Europe for all the opportunities I received to develop as a player. Thanks to the coaches for believing in me and helping me to improve. Thanks to my family in Armenia for the constant support.
Setting off on a journey and giving it your all to become the best in a sport is a special experience not many people get the opportunity to have. This time certainly moulds you as a person and Poghosyan, who made her country very proud through what she has achieved, is very grateful for everything.
-A big thanks to all the players I met on the road and congratulations to those who made it to the Olympics! Hope to see you all soon!
Badminton Europe wishes Lilit Poghosyan all the very best for the future.