French shuttlers Brice Leverdez (28 years), Lucas Corvee (21) and Thomas Rouxel (23) are first-timers to the city, and are, naturally, a little nervous.
“We arrived on Monday morning and have been sleeping, mostly, since. We have not ventured out so far,” says Leverdez, at 28, the senior-most player of contingent. The World No.31 and his compatriots are here to take part in the Tamil Nadu Badminton League which begins on Wednesday.
For Leverdez, who has been to New Delhi a few times, reaching the quarterfinals at the Thomas Cup (lost to Japan) recently is a sign that badminton does have a bright future in France, “provided all stakeholders move in the same direction”.
“By reaching the quarters on our first attempt, we have written a page in the history books of France,” says Leverdez, who has won 12 international singles titles in his career.
Leverdez is of the opinion that the French badminton federation is slowly realising the potential of its players. “When you compare badminton with football, tennis and rugby, badminton is way less popular in France. We have a long way to go. We are making baby steps,” he says.
Rouxel (23) and Corvee (21) say they enjoyed the Thomas Cup experience too, and the performance of their team has given the country a hope that “we can do it, too.”
“Playing in the Thomas took a toll on us mentally. If you look at it, Thomas Cup is more challenging than an All-England championship,” says Leverdez.
“Before the Thomas Cup, there was no expectation from us. They (the federation) told us to have fun and come back. Now, after the event, we feel have improved.
“For the next generation of players, this (reaching the quarterfinals) will be a huge step.”|
