Zimbabwe’s number one badminton player, Thabani Mathe, remains hopeful of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics despite his recent elimination in the third round of a tournament in Iran. With over 100 badminton players competing from around the world, Mathe’s early exit does limit his chances, but he remains determined.
Olympic qualification is still a very steep hill to climb but I am still climbing it. A round of 64 exit is not good enough to better my chances at qualifying, but seeing how I performed after months and months of inactivity, just working on my craft in Sichuan China, only the best is yet to come, Mathe expressed to New Zimbabwe.com.
Mathe, who is currently ranked 431 out of 2000 players worldwide, holds the highest ranking ever achieved by a Zimbabwean badminton player. However, Zimbabwe currently only has two athletes who have qualified for the Olympics: long-distance runner Isaac Mpofu and rower Stephen Cox.
To improve his rankings, Mathe is now in Azerbaijan where he will compete against high-profile badminton players. The tournament will run from February 8 to 11, and Mathe is starting in the qualifying stages, where he expects a tough challenge.
I’m starting in the qualifying stages, so if all goes well, I’m scheduled to play a total of 3 matches before I jump into the Main Draw. I’m in these qualifying rounds with the top seed in Africa as well, so it’s not going to be an easy feat, he explained.
Despite his determination, Mathe expressed concerns about the lack of support for the sport in Zimbabwe and revealed that he must fund his own trips. He acknowledged the contributions of his sponsors, PG Industries Zimbabwe, without whom his journey would be even more challenging.
To be honest, it’s individuals like myself steering the wheel of the sport in terms of global participation. Without the amazing contributions of my sponsors, PG Industries Zimbabwe, I don’t know where I would be, Mathe emphasized.
Mathe’s journey and resilience serve as an inspiration to aspiring badminton players in Zimbabwe and beyond. While the road to Olympic qualification may be challenging, his dedication and passion drive him forward.
As Mathe competes in Azerbaijan, the hopes and aspirations of the Zimbabwean badminton community are with him. They await the results, eager to see their number one player achieve greatness on the international stage.
In the quest for Olympic qualification, Thabani Mathe’s story serves as a reminder that true champions never lose hope, even in the face of adversity.
