Brighton Zhawi Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE badminton captain Paul Kopolo has his eyes set on a maiden Olympics appearance.
Having battled against huge odds, including resistance from his family in pursuit of the sport he loves, Kopolo believes an appearance at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016 is his next port of call.
“I have to play in many international tournaments so that by the time the window period opens in May next year I would have accrued enough points to play in the Olympic qualifiers.
“There are the Zone 6 Games in Zambia this coming November and that should mark the beginning of my long journey to the Olympics,” he said.
The journey has not been easy. His parents at one point asked their pastor to convince him to walk away from the sport and concentrate on his studies.
However, Kopolo was steadfast.
Kopolo is not earning much from the sport that struggles for sponsorship, but is living his dream. The 27-year-old former Ellis Robins pupil, who made his international debut at the 2009 Africa Championships in Kenya, said his brother Limbikani introduced him to badminton.
“It’s not always that parents accept our aspirations; to them, education is the only way and that was my case. My father even spoke to our pastor in a bid dissuade me from playing badminton, but all that failed,” said Kopolo, who does not regret choosing to follow his heart.
“Yes, the sport does not reward as much as I would like it to, but I have made some progress in life and believe many doors will open in the near future,” he added.
Kopolo is involved in grooming of starlets like Raffick Alfonso and the sister duo of Olga and Audrey Matsanura.