This Friday, the National Badminton Federation held a press conference to officially present its two athletes qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games, and a third athlete, who awaits notification to know if he will participate in the Paralympic Games.
Álvaro Bobadilla, manager of the National Badminton Federation, officially introduced the duo of this sport that will represent Guatemala in Tokyo. “We are here to share with you the joy we feel in our Federation, that two of our athletes have been able to achieve the dream of qualifying for the Olympic Games. What we want is to make it official ”, highlighted the leader, who also spoke about the possibility of coach José María Solís assisting Nikté Sotomayor at the Games; For this, the pertinent procedures are carried out.
Two national badminton figures
Kevin Cordón and Nikté Sotomayor are practically ready and motivated for their next participation in the Olympic Games. Cordón will do it for the fourth time, while Nikté will debut at the highest sporting event in the world, in a historic moment for Guatemalan badminton, as she is the first woman to compete in the jousts representing our country.
For her it is a “dream come true”, as well as being a historical classification. “We have to thank God, my parents and brothers,” Nikté began his intervention and continued: “This is the result of many years of effort, we are going to do our best to represent this incredible country that is Guatemala,” he closed and thanked the National Badminton Federation, the Guatemalan Olympic Committee and the Pan American Badminton Confederation for the support received.
Kevin, on the other hand, is going for his fourth Olympic appointment. He is “very happy to be at the Olympic Games again… We are restless and waiting for the teams to see the rivals that will touch us. We await the result to configure the last stage of preparation for the Games ”, explained Cordón.
Both Kevin and Nikté shared words of praise for coach Mu’amar Qadafi, who has worked with Kevin since 2017 and arrived, according to Cordón’s words, “with the aim of classifying athletes for the Olympic Games; the mission was achieved ”. “As a coach, I am happy that the athletes can achieve their dream,” explained Qadafi, “Thanks to the support of the Olympic Committee, the Badminton Federation and my co-worker José María Solís for their support. We continue to prepare ourselves to show our best at the Games ”, he added.
Anguiano waits for the Paralympics
After congratulating his teammates for the Olympic qualification and wishing them the best in Tokyo, Raúl Anguiano said he was very happy as a badminton player for the participation of his friends in the Olympic event.
Anguiano spoke about the possibility of being in the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, which would become official on July 16. “We have been working to be in Tokyo; All requirements and processes were met and we are awaiting a bipartite classification. I hope I can share good news with you, “he said. “Both the Olympic Committee, the Federation and myself have done the impossible to achieve it.”
If participation occurs, it would be the first time that a Guatemalan parabadmintonist has attended the Paralympic Games. “I hope to be there,” said Anguiano, champion of the Parapan American Games in Lima 2019.
* With information from the COG
