With 11 years of being on court, Matthew is the longest serving athlete in the Maltese contingent, who describes badminton as his life. Matthew also comes from a badminton background, his father having played badminton at national level and is now coaching. Sports has played a strong role in Matthew’s life and he hopes to one day become a Physical Education teacher.

Name: Matthew Abela

Age: 16

Club: Paola Badminton Club

How long have you been playing badminton? 11 years

Describe badminton in three words: It’s my life

What do you feel when your opponent has cheated? He doesn’t deserve to win also betrayed because it is fair to win a match like that.

Which badminton skill do you think is the most difficult to master? backhand drop and smash.

What are you looking to achieve in badminton? To be no.1 in Malta and also to be 400 ranked in BWF ranking, by going to as many tournament’s as I can.

Who is your badminton idol? Lee Chong Wei

Dream tournament to play in? Olympics

Favourite Movie? Unbroken, Harry Potter and The Hunger Games

Favourite Musician? Bruno Mars

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

Things that you like to do while you are not playing Badminton? Do other sports, go to the gym, jogging and reading

Favourite Food? Pasta and Pizza

Favourite music/bands? Take me to Church (Hozier)

Your goal, outside of badminton in life? To become a Physical Education Teacher