Pictured: Teiva Politi (front) and Nina Smits, Tahiti.
Tahiti’s Teiva Politi is about to see out his Junior years in style; by making history at the BWF World Junior Championships 2019.
Alongside fellow compatriot, Louis Beaubois, Politi will become one of the first competitors from the Pacific to compete in the BWF World Junior Championships. The only countries from Oceania to attend the prestigious event since its inception in 1992 are New Zealand and Australia.
Persuaded by his coach and ex-national player (for Tahiti), Leo Cuceul, Teiva will join Louis Beaubois on their quest for glory in Kazan, Russia. Given the convenience of currently living in France, the tournament was a realistic endeavour for the Tahitian player, making the trip more affordable for the youngster and governing body – a regular barrier to many of the badminton federations in Oceania.
Nonetheless, Politi is eager to polish off his junior years which have included appearances for Team Tahiti at the VICTOR Oceania Championships in 2018 and 2019, as well as competing at the YONEX North Harbour International 2018.
Having spent the last few months battling injury, Teiva hopes his recent stints of training demonstrate his current level of health and fitness which is competition ready.
“I have recently overcome some small injuries, I resumed the training only at the beginning of September with the Talence club [in France] under the supervision of Hugo Claerbout”, says Teiva.
Bearing the same pride which emulates with that of several other Pacific Islands, Teiva is desperate to wear his colours on the world stage in Russia.
“It is an honour to represent the Pacific at this level. On the eve of the World Championships, I am excited, moreover I am moved because it is an opportunity that I could never have hoped even in my wildest dreams”
“I would like to thank my coach for giving me this opportunity because it is my last year as a junior and I will try to make the most of it”
Talking of next year’s Championships coming to Auckland, New Zealand, Teiva shares his best advice for the aspiring players across the Pacific who are hoping to compete.
“I hope they will make the most of the time available, with one year to build a sporting attitude and earn the chance to wear their colours – this event will be an unforgettable moment for us all”
“Louis and I open the way, but they are the ones who really will make a big impact”.
Teiva will face the sixth seed from Indonesia, Bobby Setiabudi, in the first round of the Men’s Singles from 9.30am local time (GMT+3), while Louis Beaubois will take on Ren Cheng Ming from China at 12.15pm.
The BWF World Junior Championships 2019 commences on Monday 7 October 2019 – follow the player’s results on Tournament Software.
