Jenny Nyström and Mathilda Lindholm describe the immense pride felt by the Finnish team who are the hosts of the Sudirman Cup 2021. They admit that they do have nerves playing the world’s best but will go on court with smiles on their faces, embracing the experience.
The world’s best mixed teams will do battle for the prestigious Sudirman Cup in Vantaa, Finland. The same location that hosted the 2021 European Mixed Team Championships in February. Already taking massive strides for Finnish badminton this new development pleases the two women’s doubles players.
-We are really excited, it’s a big honour for Finland to be the host. Nyström stated.
-The fun part is that we can have an audience this time, which we couldn’t have one the last time. That’s a big plus, Lindholm added.
Going all in
The competition starts on 26 September, finding a champion team on 3 October. Following this, Finland have already committed to hosting the European Men’s and Women’s Team Championships and the European Championships next year. It is clear that Finland is going ‘all in’ for badminton. Asked how this makes them feel, Lindholm responds.
-Proud. It feels good of course. It is also nice that you do not need to travel anywhere, so playing in your own country is a privilege for us. Not only for the players, but the fans, family and younger players to have the opportunity to see the top players in the world is a big thing.
Reaching for the top
At the 2021 European Mixed Team Championships, hosts Finland gave a good account of themselves and almost scored a win against a solid Scottish team. It went to the last game of the last match. However, this time the task at hand is a little trickier.
-It is a really different situation now when we play the big nations. For example, when we play China, they are reigning champions, it will give us some nerves, but we will try to make the most of it. It will be the first time in our careers that we will play the best players in the world. So that’s going to be nice, said Nyström.
-I think we will just enjoy being on court and we’ll do our best and see where it takes us. Lindholm added, both smiling at the proposition.
Things going well in Finland
The Finnish team is a blend of youth and experience. Much attention as been on the young talent coming through, with both Nella Nyqvist and Joakim Oldorff medalling at the 2020 European Junior Championships, also held in Finland. Discussing the atmosphere in the team at the moment, their eyes lit up and they explained.
-It’s really great actually at the moment. Our Head Coach Ville (Lang) and Eetu (Heino) is here, they are really great at keeping up the spirit. They are doing a great job and the players are getting on well with each other and cheering each other on. Everyone is enjoying their badminton and it is fun when we are all different age groups together. We can learn from each other.