Rajiv Ouseph has revealed to Badminton Europe that despite becoming a father and the challenges that will come with it, he still wants to continue playing badminton at the highest level.
Ouseph is currently preparing for the European Mixed Team Qualification which will take place next week in Milton Keynes, England.
Since becoming a parent, the ranked number 34 in the world in Men’s Singles had his first tournament after his son was born midway through October.
A family is around Ouseph
Ouseph, who has recently become a father to his son will now get used to the life that many badminton players have gone through.
Other top players, such as Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus and Mads Conrad-Petersen have also been through the same phase, the latter, is now well into the realization.
Ouseph believes that if he wants to continue playing with the same level that he has done previously, he will have to make sure that he balances time.
- I will have to manage my time a little better with a young baby, but I still would like to play longer. So, I will see how it works, but my family is supportive of helping with the baby, Ouseph told Badminton Europe.
Stats do not lie
Since the Denmark Open, where Ouseph did not get past the Round of 32, it seems like the England international has got used to the situation.
Since then, however, the Gold Coast medalist managed to get to the Round of 16 at the French Open and then further: Ouseph made it to both a final and a semi-final in the SaaLorLux Open and the Scottish Open.
The 32-year-old is looking to continue the positive vein of form into the qualifying for the European Mixed Team Qualification which begins next Friday.
Don’t miss a thing, Badminton Europe has you covered with live coverage and interviews throughout the later stages of next week! Read also: EMTCQ Group 1 preview
The bar is high
The Men’s Singles player has revealed to Badminton Europe that his aim is to improve his ranking in the short term, but he also has long-term ambitions that he wants to focus on.
Ouseph’s aim for the distant future is to play at the highest level of his game at the multi-sport events coming up in the next two years.
- Next year, I would like to try and get my ranking back up and also do well at the European Games and World Championships in Basel, the 32-year-old stated.
- The Olympic qualification is in my mind, there are so many tournaments now that you have to be smart with which ones you play, but it is a long period so you have to be consistent for a long time, he said.
- For me, my ultimate goal would be to get an Olympic medal, Ouseph added.