Sikoyo targets last four after booking Commonwealth Games ticket

After a series of events geared towards selecting Kenyan badminton representatives to the Commonwealth Games, Sammy Sikoyo has been picked to fly the men's Kenyan flag at the Club Games.

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 will represent the country in Birmingham.

Badminton team kick off preparations for Commonwealth Games

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.

"It has not been an easy journey. Everyone had trained well and it was a tie for the two trials held and the officials had to make a decision as to who will represent the country from all the matches played since the tournaments started. Any one of is could have qualified so I feel really lucky to have the ticket. 

This will be my first time on such a global stage and I am looking forward to it. I wish to join residential camp as soon as possible as I know the competition ahead is tough," offered Sikoyo.

Participants played two tournaments and two trials. The first tournament was held on 21 and 22 May and the second tournament on 28 and 29 May. The first trial was held on 11and 12 June while the second one this past weekend. 

Kenya has been handed two slots, one for each gender. From the tournaments, the top eight players were selected for the trials. The second place finishers will join the winners in camp as sparring partners. 

"Being my first time, my eyes are set on reaching the final four. I have seen the players I am to meet on YouTube so I know what to expect. I will use the remaining time in camp to sharpen my skills so that I can handle anything thrown at me in Birmingham," added Sikoyo.