KUALA LUMPUR – Ukrainian badminton coach Salim Samion is confident that his players are ready to face tougher opponents at the Badminton World Championships, scheduled from August 22 to 28 in Tokyo.
Speaking to The Vibes, Salim said the women’s doubles pair of Mariia Stoliarenko-Yelyzaveta Zharka have improved their physical fitness and technical skills since training in Malaysia.
“They are better now compared to previous weeks.
“Now, they need to further refine their performance on the court.
“It is important for them to build their confidence and trust in their capabilities when facing tougher opponents,” he said.
Salim said, Stoliarenko-Zharka are having a rough year, losing all their matches against higher-ranked opponents.
“However, I think they are mentally prepared for the World Championships but at the same time, I know that they are already feeling the heat as the tournament draws closer.
“I am not setting any targets for them in Tokyo as I want them to give their best performance.
“It is crucial for them to focus on winning points against their opponents,” he added.
‘Local shuttlers come together for charity match’
Perak-born Salim said that a badminton charity match was organised by the Ukraine embassy of Malaysia as a fundraiser event to help provide financial aid for the players who left for Tokyo today.
The Ukraine players will be leaving for the World Championships from Malaysia after a four-month training stint at the Andalas Sports Complex since the Russian invasion.
“It was a good turnout for the charity match as there were about 40 participants, mostly amateur players joining us for the cause.
“We also had the opportunity to play against national player Vivian Hoo and players from the Serdang Badminton Club,” said the 41-year-old coach.
Salim was also training Ukraine’s women’s singles shuttler Polina Buhrova for the European Junior Championships, scheduled from August 18-22 in Belgrade.
However, the players are not returning to Malaysia after their respective tournaments as they will be heading to Europe.
“The players will be staying in Europe, while I will be based here.
“I will be conducting online training sessions with the players after they move to Europe. The players are having mixed feelings about leaving Malaysia and moving to Europe because they were just getting used to my one-on-one training sessions,” said Salim who was appointed the national head coach by the Ukrainian Badminton Federation in October last year. – The Vibes, August 19, 2022
