12 weeks ago, Lilit Poghosyan, a player at Badminton Europe’s Centre of Excellence, didn't know if she would qualify for the European Games in Minsk.
The 22-year old, who has overcome different challenges since she joined the CoE in 2017, is now one of three players from the group heading to the Games.
(please note that the players qualified are dependent on their NOCs confirming their nomination)
Also qualified for the multi-sport event are Felix Burestedt and Milan Ludik who will compete in the Men’s Singles category.
A rapid increase!
Poghosyan was in the top 500 in the world, before the qualification began and had a big task on her hands to qualify for the Games in Minsk.
In late March, the Armenian received the best news: She had finished the qualification as number 226 in the world and in-turn, qualified for the multi-sport event, along with many top players across Europe.
- Exactly one year ago, I was very far down in the ranking list - somewhere in the top 500. I was not sure if it would be possible to make it and it was a lot of pressure on me mentally, Poghosyan said.
- I used to be very tense in the tournaments, so was not performing at my best. As soon as I switched my focus on the improvement and development of my game, I felt more and more confident that I am going to make it, she added.
Dreams can come true
Lilit Poghosyan, speaking to Badminton Europe, has revealed that determination has got her to where she is now and her dream to play at the European Games has now been fulfilled.
As well as a personal achievement for the CoE player, Poghosyan has also become the first ever badminton player from Armenia to qualify for a multi-sport event.
- It is a wonderful feeling to see that hard work is paying off. I mean, it has been a goal since the first edition of the Games took place four years ago, Poghosyan commented.
- I remember watching the opening ceremony and the badminton matches and I was like: 'I also want to be there!', it would have been a dream come true so, with that goal in my head I kept on practising, she said.
To see the full article about Lilit Poghosyan, check out the Badminton Europe Magazine which will be released this month.