Krakow: In the badminton finals at the 2023 European Games, also known as Kraków-Małopolska 2023, held at the Jaskolka Arena in Poland last Sunday, Viktor Axelsen and Carolina Marin emerged victorious, claiming the gold medals in their respective categories.
The top-seeded Viktor Axelsen faced an unexpected challenge on his quest for the badminton gold at the 2023 European Games. Despite entering the tournament as the reigning Tokyo 2020 champion and the World No. 1 player, his path was hindered by the talented Popov brothers from France.
Highlights of Viktor Axelsen vs. Christo Popov in the 2023 European Games final:
Axelsen showcased his dominance throughout the group stage and early elimination matches. However, his true test came in the semifinals against Toma Junior Popov, ranked 28th in the world. It was a closely contested match, but Axelsen emerged victorious with a score of 21-17, 21-18, securing his spot in the final. Little did he know that his battle with the Popov family was not over, as he was slated to face Toma Junior’s younger brother, Christo Popov, ranked 31st in the world, in the ultimate showdown.
In the final, the 21-year-old Christo Popov surprised the experienced Axelsen by claiming the first game with a score of 21-16, putting Axelsen in an unfamiliar position where he had to fight hard for the European Games gold medal. Popov continued to apply pressure in the second game, but Axelsen displayed his resilience and made a comeback, securing a 21-16 win. Ultimately, in an intense match that lasted 82 minutes, Axelsen emerged triumphant in the decider, dominating with a score of 21-11.
With this remarkable victory at the 2023 European Games, Axelsen solidified his status as the reigning Olympic, world, and European champion, further establishing himself as one of the greatest players in badminton history.
In the women’s singles final, Carolina Marin, the 2016 Rio Olympics gold medalist, faced Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt, ranked 17th in the world. Marin displayed her exceptional skills and composure throughout the match, securing a comfortable victory with scores of 21-15 and 21-14, clinching the gold medal.
Highlights of Carolina Marin vs. Mia Blichfeldt in the 2023 European Games final:
Following her win, Marin expressed her unwavering determination to continually improve her game. The European Games gold served as a reminder for her to showcase her relentless drive and eagerness to push herself further, reaffirming her commitment to hard work and striving for excellence.
The European Games competition held great significance as it contributed to the qualification points for the upcoming Olympic Games, scheduled to take place in Paris in 2024.
