tawandamusarurwa
Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE badminton star Thabani Mathe has quite a busy schedule ahead of him this year.
The reigning national champion is expected to take part in no less than 18 international tournaments, most of which will take him across three continents — Asia, Europe and Africa — all in a bid to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The tour starts off in the Zhejiang province capital of Hangzhou, where he will compete at the China International Challenge next month. He is then expected to take part in the Mauritius International Series in July.
He will later on have a couple of tournaments in Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Belgium, Poland, Norway, Algeria, Egypt, Uganda and Hungary. Tournaments in Zambia and Botswana are also part of itinerary.
“I intend to enter the European and Asian circuits, where I hope to stamp my authority and build some momentum on the global badminton scene,” said Mathe.
“The knowledge and experience I will get from all these tournaments will add value to my game, on top of putting the country on the world map.” The one thing he seems to have going for him is that PG Merchandising has come on board to help further his career.
“Thanks to my sponsors . . . all the main challenges I faced during the early stages of my career look to be a thing of the past,” he said. “I am truly grateful to the second family (PG Merchandising) I have gained on this journey and the faith they have bestowed on me.
“I had been struggling in many ways.”
Mathe added: “I have been solely focused on training and improving my overall form for next month’s trip to Asia.
“The busy schedule is part of my masterplan to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games.
“I will be competing against some of the top players, both from Africa and the world over, for a chance to qualify for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games. “These tournaments are part of my preparations for the Olympics and Olympic qualification tournaments.”
Online Reporter