Denmark’s Kim Astrup is extremely confident ahead of the European Mixed Team Championships that will take place from 13-17 February.
The Men’s Doubles player who competes with Anders Skaarup Rasmussen knows, however, that Denmark has to do more than just turn up.
Denmark has announced a significantly strong provisional squad for the Championships after the conflict between the Federation and the players, fortunately, came to an end last week.
Going for glory
Astrup, speaking to Badminton Europe ahead of the prestigious event, believes that the Scandinavian country will retain the title.
But the 26-year old is aware that there are strong countries ready to step up to the plate if Denmark doesn’t.
- We feel good, and we are all ready to fight for the title, Astrup said.
- We have a strong team, but if we don’t perform in the best way, many teams can beat us, he added.
- So, we know that we have to prepare well and fight for every game to regain the title. If we are focused, I think we have what it takes to become champions.
A ten-minute drive
Astrup, born in Jutland, now lives in the heart of the Danish capital city, Copenhagen. The Dane is looking forward to playing on home soil and is looking forward to a short journey to the arena.
Astrup, however, thinks that it could be more of a challenge, the fact that it is a short journey, but he knows that it won’t affect the team.
- I am looking forward to playing on home soil, and I appreciate that I only have to drive five minutes to get to the arena, he said.
- I actually don’t know if it is an advantage, I would rather say it is a challenge for us. It is easier to mentally get in the zone if you travel somewhere, rather than just taking your own car to the venue, he added.
- So I think we have to enjoy that it is close to home, but we also need to be aware that we have to do something extra to get into that championship mode.
Find the draw and team nominations for the 2019 European Mixed Team Championships here
There are still tickets for the event available. Get them at ticketmaster.dk