The 2012 Kharkov International 2012 attracts a lot of European top players to the Ukraine. The International Challenge tournament (15.000 US Dolllars in prize money) will commence with the matches of the main rounds today.

Kharkov is the one of the biggest cities in the Ukraine. It’s also called the capital of Ukrainian badminton, because many members of the national team live and practise here. The tournament will take place for the fourth time in Kharkov. The matches take place in the Sport Palace Lokomotiv – probably the biggest sports hall in the city.

This year, 115 athletes from 11 countries will participate in 2012 Kharkov International. This will include the leading Ukrainian players Dmytro Zavadsky, Valeriy Atrashchenkov and Anna Kobtseva as well as a couple of international stars. Among those are European Vice-Champion Henri Hurskainen of Sweden, Danish hopefuls Rasmus Fladberg and Emil Holst, Bulgaria's top shuttler Petya Nedelcheva (pictured) or Turkish youngster Neslihan Yigit.

Badminton Federation of Ukraine are expected to provide good circumstances for the players and expect about 10.000 spectators to visit the Challenge event, according to the local organizers. «We are welcome athletes from all countries. Ukraine Badminton has developed very well in recent years. We are sure our tournament will be a great event for all who love badminton.”

To view all results from the 2012 Kharkov International click HERE

Article by Olena Skaletska; Photo by BadmintonPhoto