When asked what kind of feelings and atmosphere prevails in Jakarta during the World Cup, Beāte Katrīna Zeltiņa-Šķēle reveals in a conversation with the magazine “Kas Jauns” that she is unspeakably proud of the Latvian people.
“The support that the guys feel in the Indonesian arena is indescribable, we are a small country against the background of other countries, but the feeling is that we are the biggest of all,” the basketball player’s wife shares her observations. “Latvians are in the majority here, I can’t say the exact number, but there are very, very many of us, and both the guys from our team in the arena and the spectators through the screens can feel it,” says Beāte.
Crowds of Latvian basketball fans cheer for Jakarta +52 Watch more
Beata Katrina says that whenever there is an opportunity, she is by her husband’s side in important basketball games. “I support him and the team with all my heart and soul. I certainly didn’t want to miss this event and I am grateful that I can experience it,” she is happy about the opportunity to experience the victories of the Latvian men’s basketball team in the World Cup matches.
Beate is stressed before every match, because the main thing is that the basketball players succeed and the team wins. When asked how her husband feels during the World Cup, she says: “Aigar is very proud of being part of the team and being able to experience it. Excitement and great responsibility are always there, especially now. He is very proud of the team’s achievements, but nothing is over yet.”
Although Latvian national basketball players have a strict regime and schedule during the World Cup, Beate has managed to meet her husband. “After the games, I get to meet and caress my husband, but before the games I always write him a message. He always feels the support of me and the whole family, our children are his biggest motivation,” adds Beate.
Taujata, who she visited and enjoyed in Jakarta during her free time from the games, she reveals: “My dad and I visited some attractions here in Jakarta, we saw a completely different culture and order of things, we also enjoyed completely different parts of this city – both the old city and the new districts, which are completely two different Jakartas. You can’t even tell it, you just have to see it with your own eyes. A thorough culture shock. And of course, like many other Latvians, we flew to Bali to experience something completely opposite to Jakarta.”
“I send strength and endurance to my husband and all the other guys on the team. We can do great things, we have a dream team and an excellent coaching staff. You have to play until the end! Our land is Latvia!” says Beata.
