Kunshan: Denmark’s shuttlers will look to assert their authority in badminton at the 2016 Summer Olympics after their historic Thomas Cup victory on Sunday.
Viktor Axelsen, Denmark’s World No. 4 men’s shuttler, has made clear that he wants his shot at Olympic glory.
“I am confident the Denmark players will prove themselves in the Olympics,” said Axelsen.
“I believe I can go far in the Olympics because if you don’t believe in yourself then it won’t happen,” added Axelsen.
China Takes Notice
Axelsen’s Thomas Cup performance has drawn attention from China’s Chief Badminton Coach, Li Yongbo. Li has named Axelsen and his teammate Jan O Jorgensen as major threats to China’s men’s singles players at the Olympics this summer.
“Now, the competition in Rio is fierce because many players could win the Olympics,” said Li.
Axelsen responded to Li’s comments with a light touch. “I guess I might have a good chance if Li Yongbo went out there to say something about me,” he said.
A Future World No. 1?
Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen, the current President of the Badminton World Federation and the 1996 Atlanta Olympic badminton champion, believes Axelsen could become a badminton superstar in the near future.
“Axelsen has potential to be the World No. 1 player especially when Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei ease into retirement by gradually cutting back from their participation in tournaments after the Olympics.”