Q&A WITH VIKTOR AXELSEN
Danish shuttler Viktor Axelsen on playing the Premier Badminton League, learning Mandarin and his birthday plans
Q. This is your third year in the Premier Badminton League.
It’s an exciting league where the scoring system is a bit different. It’s really intense. Also, you are able to join different teams and meet new people.
Q. Does it improve your game?
Every game is good practice. You play in stadiums where the drift is pretty tricky, and we can run into that in regular tournaments.
Q. You’ll be in India on your birthday (Jan. 4). Any plans?
I don’t even know if I have a game that day. I don’t need any special celebration, just want to practise and play well.
Q. After winning the World Championships in 2017, you had a difficult 2018. What lessons have you learned?
Not to rush things. I got an ankle surgery in February. After winning the European Championships, my asthma started flaring up and I have had issues with my right ankle. I’m just coming back now.
Q. Apart from Danish and English, you speak Mandarin.
I realised early how big badminton is in China. I got myself a Chinese teacher and have been practising consistently. I got an insight into how the Chinese approach things and practise.
Q. Any plans to learn Hindi?
Not really. For now, I can only say ‘Achchha Achchha’.