Commonwealth Games: Mwethya sets quarters as minimum target for Badminton duo

After a series of events geared towards selecting badminton representatives to the Commonwealth Games, Sammy Sikoyo and Saumya Gupta were picked to fly the Kenyan flag.

Team manager and former Kenya International Mercy Mwethya who is guiding the team in England remains confident that the duo have a chance at bringing home medals.

"We have fresh blood this time. They are ready and eager to compete. They have been open to learn and I am looking forward to watching them compete and expressing themselves fully on the court. All circumstances considered, we are looking forward to making a podium finish but hopeful for quarter finals finishes as a minimum," said Mwethya.

The journey to the Games for Badminton Kenya began on 21 May at the Aga Khan Sports Club with the first of two tournaments that were followed by two trials used to select the team that would represent the country in Birmingham.

Kenya had initially been barred from sending a team to Birmingham due to a suspension, but National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) appealed the decision, with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Council making the decision to allow the country to have a participating team.

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"We are also looking forward to getting a chance to compete again, since our ban. This is also a learning opportunity as we watch the A listers in action," Mwethya added.

Saumya won the women’s ticket after a grueling selection tournament while Sikoyo was selected to represent the country in the men's category after a similar qualifying process.

It will is a first appearance to the Games for the duo.