Ukrainian Badminton Star Polina Buhrowa Finds Solace on the Court Amidst War
Polina Buhrowa, the world No. 50 badminton player, is competing at the Swiss Open in Basel this week, bringing a compelling story of resilience and determination to the court. The 21-year-old Ukrainian athlete’s journey has been marked by displacement and uncertainty since the onset of the war in her homeland in February 2022.
Fleeing War, Finding Refuge in Sport
Just days after the Russian invasion, Buhrowa, formerly a top-ranked youth player in Europe, left her home in Kharkiv, a city near the Russian border. “We were vrey scared when the war started at 5 in the morning. We heard screaming people and saw bombs hit nearby. It was terrible, and those are images I will never forget,” Buhrowa recounted in Basel.
A Badminton Nomad: From Ukraine to Italy
Buhrowa’s career took her across Europe and Asia. Separated from her family, she lived in the Czech Republic, Germany, and Thailand before settling in Milan, Italy. From there, she travels to tournaments worldwide, competing in 22 events in the past year alone. The Swiss Open marks her first time competing in Basel.
The Mental Game: Family Concerns Amidst Competition
Despite the challenges, Buhrowa finds refuge in badminton, a sport that offers a temporary escape from the anxieties of war. “Badminton is my life,” she says. “When I play, I feel these astonishing emotions and forget everything around me. I can train for hours without getting mentally tired.”
Basel Bound: Facing Challenges Head-On
At the Swiss Open, Buhrowa is set to face Thailand’s Pornpicha Choeikeewong in the first round. While the competition will be tough, Buhrowa’s perspective remains grounded. She will try to reach her best performance and to get the victory over her rival. Whatever comes,for Buhrowa “there are more important things in life.”
**Beyond its athletic benefits, how does badminton serve as a source of solace and resilience for Polina amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine?**
Ukrainian Badminton Star Polina Buhrowa finds Solace on the Court Amidst War: Q&A
Get to know Ukrainian badminton player Polina Buhrowa, whose resilience shines even brighter than her game!
Q&A: Unpacking Polina’s Powerful Story
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Q: Where is Polina Buhrowa originally from?
A: Kharkiv, Ukraine, a city close to the Russian border.
Trivia: Kharkiv was one of the first cities to see heavy fighting after the invasion.
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Q: How did the war affect Polina’s badminton career?
A: The war forced her to flee her home and become a “badminton nomad,” traveling to multiple countries, including the Czech Republic, Germany, Thailand, and Italy, to continue training and competing.
Actionable Advice: Support athletes affected by conflict by following their careers and cheering them on at tournaments.
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Q: What rank is Polina Buhrowa currently?
A: She is ranked No. 50 in the world.
Fascinating Fact: This is a remarkable achievement, given the significant disruptions to her training and life.
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Q: Where is Polina currently based?
A: Milan, Italy.
Actionable Advice: You can support her by following her tournaments.
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Q: What is Polina’s mindset about badminton amidst the war?
A: She sees badminton as a refuge, a place to escape the anxieties of war and experience positive emotions. She finds herself able to train for hours.
Interesting Fact: Many athletes use their sport as a coping mechanism during times of hardship.
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Q: Who is Polina playing at the Swiss Open?
A: Pornpicha Choeikeewong of Thailand.
Actionable Advice: Follow the Swiss Open to see how polina does!
Polina Buhrowa’s journey exemplifies the power of the human spirit and the unifying force of sports. Follow her progress and be inspired!
