While the date arrives, the athlete from La Unión, Zacapa, works on strengthening the physical and tactical part, in addition to continuing to add as many points as possible.
That is why he traveled to France on Saturday to compete, starting next Wednesday, at the Orleans Masters of the BWF World Tour 2024, part of the so-called Tour 300.
“I am taking advantage of having a good world ranking, because it is allowing me to play other tournaments, like this one, which will be in France, where I will face the rivals who will be in the Olympics,” said Cordón, who is currently ranked 40th in the world ranking.
The national team highlighted that it is “in a very safe area” to get the ticket to their fifth Olympic Games. “Of those classified, I am number 21, out of 34. This allows me to face the remaining path with peace of mind,” said.
After completing the Masters in France, Cordón will compete in the Badminton Pan American Championship, which will be held in Guatemala, from April 11 to 14, where athletes will have the opportunity to add the last points in the ranking that will define those classified for Paris 2024.
“I am happy because for these games I will achieve qualification with more than 30 thousand points for Tokyo 2020. I achieved it with 29 thousand, and in the other two Olympics—London 2012 and Beijing 2008—it was with 25 thousand,” he highlighted.
He added that on the road to Paris, planning and choosing the competitions was important, Since in 2023 he reached seven finals and won four of them, which had an impact and was reflected well in the ranking.
physical work
The Guatemalan shared that badminton has become more physical and requires better preparationas well as more specific body care.
“In matches it is normal for one hour to be played; It was difficult before, and that makes more demands on the body. Now he is faster and more explosive, and that generates more fatigue. And that has forced us to be professionals, rest more, eat better food and supplements,” he commented.
He pointed out that badminton in America has been gaining ground, that more and more countries are investing in this sport, such is the case of Peru, Mexico and El Salvador. “If there is no investment, players cannot grow”he warned.
“The one who makes the difference is the player. One, as an athlete, has to accept that we live in an underdeveloped country, where we have to work with limitations, But we got ahead,” said Cordón.
They close with the Pan American
Guatemala will host the Pan American Badminton for the third time in the history, that will take place in the gym Teodoro Palacios Flores, from April 11 to 14, and will serve as the last opportunity for athletes to score points in the qualifying rankings for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“We are happy that the Pan American Games has once again given us the organization of an event of this level. 16 countries will be present, and the best thing is that we are going to have new fields,” explained José María Solís, coach of the National Team.
He added that for both Kevin Cordón and Nikté Sotomayor the Pan American Games will be important to close well in the points zone in the world ranking. “Kevin is practically classified, but Nikté is still looking to get there. “Now he is in Portugal, then he will go to Cuba, then here in Guatemala and he will close in Poland.”said.
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