Badminton Europe’s elite circuit moves to Kibbutz Hatzor, Israel, for Hatzor International 2017. Elias Nicolaou of Cyprus has travelled from the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Holbæk to test his level after almost two months at the training centre.
The Cyprian has set the goal to reach the semi-finals even though he has a tough first round against Adrian Dziolko from Poland, who participated at the Olympic Games in Rio.
- It’s really big challenge because I know that if I want to make achievements I have to beat players like Adrian., Nicolaou, 21, explains to Badminton Europe.
- The Centre of Excellence is giving me so many things, like physically and technically I’m way better. I play against experienced players during the training which gives me more confidence on court every day.
With the hopes of being a part of Europe and the world
General Secretary for Israel Badminton Association, Nir Sade hopes that the players travelling all the way to Israel will experience the perfect conditions to go on court and give their best.
- My expectations for the tournament are that it will have good spirit and that all the players will feel good as guests in Israel and in Hatzor, Sade tells Badminton Europe.
- Many things go into the preparations. It's not an easy organisation because our funds are limited. So, with good willing from all of our volunteers we manage to create a successful event.
Since the Israeli association started organising an elite and a junior event each year, Sade explains that they feel they are giving their players the conditions and hopes to be a part of Europe and the world.
- It means that we have our own identity on the circuit, it means that our players can aim for a local event, and, it means that our players can have another tournament to advance on the world ranking without paying expansive travel cost. And most of all, it feels international for all our players and badminton lovers in Israel and that gives us hope for a better future.