Denmark’s shuttlers are looking to assert their dominance at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio after their historic Thomas Cup victory in Kunshan on Sunday. World No. 4 men’s singles player Viktor Axelsen 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.
He added, “I believe I can go far in the Olympics because if you don’t believe in yourself then it won’t happen.”
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 confidence. “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?
Current Badminton World Federation President Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen, who won the 1996 Atlanta Olympic badminton title, believes Axelsen can become a superstar in the near future. Hoyer Larsen predicted that Axelsen could reach World No. 1 once Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei ease into retirement by gradually cutting back on tournament play after the Olympics.
“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.”