With a group that includes some really tough opponents, Vladimir Malkov looks forward to stepping on court alongside his teammates.
Excitement is building up in Vantaa and for fans all around the globe as the TotalEnergies BWF Sudirman Cup 2021 is about to start. Players are preparing before kick-off and so is Vladimir Malkov, who talked to us ahead of the big event.
Back in Vantaa for a huge challenge
This is the second time this year that Malkov will be fighting for medals in Vantaa. Earlier in February, he won bronze together with his team at the 2021 European Mixed Team Championships. He feels happy to be back in the same place and is just as ready for the challenge as he was at the start of the year.
-It looks like nothing has changed, except for the weather. The whole hotel is only for badminton players, and I feel like I do not have to worry about COVID-19. We have tested negative, and we all feel very safe now. All the players are excited about the start of the Sudirman Cup in a few days, Malkov explained.
Enjoying the experience
ROC is in Group C, a group of powerhouses that includes Indonesia who won in 1898, Denmark who have been runner-up’s and semifinalists many times, and Canada. The player is ready to take on some of the world’s best, but he is aware he will have to face some of this year’s Olympic medallist.
-We are really happy that we can participate in it, because it is a very big tournament, especially after the Olympics. There is Viktor Axelsen who is now an Olympic champion, Ginting who is a bronze medallist. We are really excited and we hope we can enjoy playing badminton this week, Malkov said.
With Malkov’s team winning bronze in the 2021 European Mixed Team Championships, the ROC can be seen as a European team with plenty of experience, so it is no secret that some might look at them and Malkov as dangerous opponents.
- Maybe we look like the dark horse here in this group, but the other teams do not have less experience than us. Everyone knows how to play, and they are all preparing for each match, getting ready to play every category. Who knows who will win tomorrow. I can say that in our team, we will play to enjoy, in a relaxed way. We are just trying to enjoy, and we will see what happens, Malkov explained.