Kaloyana Nalbantova’s off court maturity belies her tender years.
On court, she’s no slouch either. The Bulgarian, at 18 years of age the youngest badminton athlete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, gave a good account of herself in the 21-15 21-11 opening Group A defeat to top seed An Se Young on Sunday.
Balancing the disappointment of losing and the delight at making her Olympic bow with much poise, Nalbantova told reporters: “I’m so happy I’m now part of the Olympics. I’m also happy to play An. I enjoyed those moments.
“The crowd was amazing. I’m sure this is the first time I’m playing in front of an audience that big. It was so nice. They charge you up every time, even when I was the underdog.
“It’s an immense pleasure to represent Bulgaria on my back and on my heart. To be the youngest player competing at this big an event at just 18 is incredible.”
The lessons learned from playing a world champion were priceless.
“I still need to adapt to playing in big halls with wind. She did it first, and she did it best. That’s the difference between the world No.1 and me,” said Nalbantova, who has commendably come back from a meniscus surgery in January to compete at her first Olympics.
“I hope to achieve at least two more Olympics and be in the top 20 by the time the next one comes. My family couldn’t be here but they are rooting for me back home. I had a video call to show them the Athletes’ Village and they were so happy. They are proud of me.”
An was complimentary.
“She’s young but strong and powerful. She’s one to look out for,” said the Korean, herself a former teenage prodigy.
Nalbantova concludes her campaign against Qi Xuefei on Tuesday.