As the International School Sport Federation World Badminton Championships are fast approaching, let’s get to know a bit more about who will be representing Malta in this prestigious event, which will be held in Malta for the first time and which will host 275 athletes representing 21 countries from all over the world.

The Boys team will be presented by Mark Abela, Matthew Abela, Sam Cassar, Nigel Degaetano and Matthew Galea. Whilst the Girls team will be represented by Michela Ellul, Sarah Fava, Cheryl Gilford, Yanika Polidano and Rebecca Spiteri.

We wanted to get to know our contingent a bit more so we’ve asked them a few questions.

Here is what they shared with us.

14-year-old MARK ABELA, from Paola Badminton Club has been playing badminton for the past 8 years, if it hadn’t been badminton it would have been football but what else did Mark have to say about his chosen sport?

Name: Mark Abela

Age: 14

Club: Paola Badminton Club

How long have you been playing badminton? 8 years

Describe badminton in three words: fun, exciting and fast

What do you feel when your opponent has cheated? it makes me feel bad and angry

Which badminton skill do you think is the most difficult to master? backhand

What are you looking to achieve in badminton? to do well both locally and abroad

Who is your badminton idol? Lin Dan

Dream tournament to play in? Olympics

Favourite Movie? The Dark Knight

Favourite Musician? Eminem

If it hadn’t been badminton, what other sport would it be? Football

Things that you like to do while you are not playing Badminton? PlayStation and going out with friends.

Favourite Food? Pizza

Favourite music/bands? Pop music, Maroon 5

Your goal, outside of badminton in life? To be healthy and fit