Sapporo: The Japanese badminton equipment manufacturer – YONEX, has recently arranged several junior badminton clinics by inviting top badminton players including Viktor Axelsen, Ratchanok Intanon, Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, Mayu Matsumoto, and Wakana Nagahara to teach and interact with elementary and high school students in Niigata, and Sapporo, Japan.
The reigning men’s singles world champion – Viktor Axelsen seemed to enjoy good conversations and was giving good advice to those young badminton players who attended the clinic.
Two of the students who had a chance to spar with Axelsen told the reporter about what they’d learned from Axelsen after the sparring session.
“He told me when the opponent attacks you, if you stand too far towards the back of the court, you’ll have a wide-open front court. Don’t back down, move forward a little bit,” said Katsuzuka.
“Axelsen has long legs and arms, so no matter where I hit the shuttlecock, he returns it very easily,” said another student.
After the badminton clinic, Gideon/Matsumoto, and Sukamulyo/Nagahara paired up for a mixed doubles exhibition match. In addition, Axelsen also paired with Intanon to play against a men’s doubles pair from a local high school.
