From Kyiv to Cinisello: How Two Ukrainian Badminton Stars Found Sanctuary and Success in Italy

A few years ago, Polina Buhrova and Yevheniia Kantemyr were rivals, battling for dominance on the badminton courts of Kyiv. Today, the competition has shifted from the scoreboard to the dinner table. The two Ukrainian national team players now share an apartment, a training regimen and a singular athletic goal in Cinisello Balsamo, a suburb of Milan in Italy’s Lombardy region.

For Buhrova, 22, and Kantemyr, 20, Italy has become more than just a training base; it is a second home. Their lives were irrevocably altered when war disrupted the normalcy of their careers, forcing them to seek refuge and professional stability far from their homeland. Now, they represent a larger narrative of resilience, joining approximately 130 Ukrainian badminton athletes currently displaced across Europe.

Separate Paths to a Shared Destination

The journey to the Milan hinterland began in the chaotic early months of the conflict. Their paths to Italy were distinct, shaped by the circumstances of where they were when the war broke out.

Polina Buhrova was in Dnipro, competing in the national cup with her team, when the invasion began. She eventually reached the Czech Republic alongside several teammates. Yevheniia Kantemyr’s experience was different; sidelined by a knee injury at the time, she was at home. She fled the country with her mother and brother, seeking safety in Slovakia.

Despite these diverging starting points, both athletes eventually converged in Lombardy. This transition was facilitated by a coaching structure that provided continuity for the Ukrainian national team. They now train under the guidance of coach Gloria Pirvanescu and technical lead Luca Crippa, who has headed the Ukrainian national team since 2020.

Their primary training hub is the Palacooper in Cinisello Balsamo. In a poetic turn of infrastructure, the facility—which previously did not host badminton—has been transformed into the central pillar of their sporting preparation.

A Pedigree of Excellence

Whereas their current environment is one of sanctuary, their athletic records are defined by high-stakes competition. Polina Buhrova has established herself as a dominant force in Ukrainian badminton, securing the National Championship title in both singles and women’s doubles in 2021 and 2023.

Buhrova’s experience spans the highest levels of the sport. She represented Ukraine at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and has a history of success at the junior level, including a bronze medal in girls’ doubles at the 2020 European Junior Championships in Lahti. Her rankings reflect this consistency; as of March 24, 2026, she is ranked 45th in women’s singles and 30th in women’s doubles.

Kantemyr has similarly proven her mettle on the international circuit, participating in numerous overseas competitions with significant results. Together, the duo has evolved from individual competitors into a potent doubles partnership.

Recent Triumph in Istanbul

The synergy developed in Cinisello Balsamo recently paid off on the continental stage. Buhrova and Kantemyr secured a bronze medal at the 2026 European Women’s Team Championships held in Istanbul. Entering the tournament as the 7th seeds, the pair fought through the bracket to confirm their first European Championships medal.

This achievement serves as a benchmark for their progress since relocating. For athletes who have lost the stability of their home courts, the bronze medal in Istanbul is not just a sporting achievement but a testament to their ability to perform under extreme personal and political pressure.

To put their current standing in perspective, the partnership has seen significant climbs in the BWF rankings. Their highest women’s doubles ranking reached 19th on April 15, 2025, demonstrating that their time in Italy has not slowed their professional trajectory.

The Broader Context of Displacement

The story of Buhrova and Kantemyr is a microcosm of the Ukrainian sporting experience during the ongoing conflict. With roughly 130 badminton players scattered across Europe, the reliance on temporary bases and international support has become a necessity for survival in the sport.

The support system in Cinisello Balsamo—combining local facilities like Palacooper with the established leadership of Luca Crippa—provides a blueprint for how displaced athletes can maintain elite standards. By providing housing and professional coaching in a single location, the Ukrainian team has managed to keep its top talent competitive on the world stage.

As they continue to train in the Milan hinterland, Buhrova and Kantemyr remain focused on climbing the world rankings and securing further medals for Ukraine. Their journey from the courts of Kyiv to the Palacooper in Italy highlights the enduring nature of athletic ambition, even when the home they play for is under siege.

For more updates on the Ukrainian national team’s progress and international badminton results, follow the official reporting on their journey in Italy.

What are your thoughts on the support systems provided to displaced athletes? Let us know in the comments below.