Denmark’s Kim Astrup just cannot wait for the COVID-19 pandemic to be over.

Astrup and men’s doubles partner Anders Skaarup Rasmussen were in the midst of a good period, winning three titles in as many weeks, before the spread of the disease forced governments across the world to impose lockdowns, which also resulted in cancellation of sporting events.

Weeks of isolation that followed have only whetted Astrup’s appetite.

“We’ll be hungrier than ever when we get back to the practice hall to chase our dreams,” Astrup underlined his determination to Badminton Europe recently.

“We are on mandatory break and using the time to improve small details, which we didn’t have the chance to do because of a packed tournament schedule.

“It’s nice to have control of the body, and we try to maintain as much physical and cardio activities as possible.”

Since the HSBC BWF World Tour started two years ago, Astrup and Rasmussen have won two titles – the Super 1000 China Open (2018) and the Barcelona Spain Masters in February.

Astrup is keen for the world No.12 pair to continue their momentum when the international season resumes, highlighting the need for them to step up following the recent retirements of Danish men’s doubles stalwarts Mads Conrad-Petersen and Mathias Boe.

“I hope Anders and I can keep a good level and get some peace in a hectic Olympic qualification, and I hope the peace can give us some space to develop and establish ourselves in the top eight again,” said the 28-year-old.

“We have to continue our hard work and our men’s doubles group needs to get together and set a new agenda for how we should create a world class group.

“It’s exciting, and I believe that if people are motivated and hungry, we can find a way where we can compete and even win World Championships and Olympic medals for Denmark again.”

** First published by Badminton Europe