Popov brothers, Lanier leading the French badminton revolution

New Straits Times

21-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: France have never really been known as a badminton powerhouse.
But that may soon change, and Toma Junior Popov is part of the reason why.
The world No. 18 made a strong start at the Malaysia Masters on Tuesday, beating China's world No. 32 Wang Zheng Xing 21-17, 21-8.
It was also his first-ever win at the tournament in since his debut in 2023.
"I'm happy with the way I started. It's good to be back after the European tour and four weeks of training," said Toma, who made it to the quarter-finals of Malaysia Open in his last visit to Kuala Lumpur earlier in January.
The 25-year-old also feels his form is on an upward trend.
"I'd say I'm better than last year. I had a good run in Europe — maybe could've done a bit more at the All England, but overall I'm happy. Even when I wasn't at my best, I still made the final at the European Championships and won the men's doubles," he said.
Toma, along with his younger brother Christo and 20-year-old Alex Lanier — one of the most exciting young players on the circuit — are putting French badminton on the world map.
France are now the second-ranked team in Europe behind Denmark, and for good reason.
The Popov brothers are strong in both singles and men's doubles, while Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue are a consistent top pair in mixed doubles.
Toma is one of the few players in the world who juggles singles and doubles at the highest level, and he plans to continue doing both.
"For now, yes, I'll be playing both events regularly — that's the plan moving forward."
So what has changed in French badminton?
"Things are more structured now. The clubs, federation, academies and national centres are working together better," said Toma.
"There are also more good coaches coming in and more young players showing promise. It's exciting."
Toma says there's also been a big improvement in junior development, with more young French shuttlers doing well in Europe every year.
But the real challenge is exposure.
"In France, badminton doesn't get shown on TV much. It's mostly football, handball, rugby. But if we win medals and stay in the spotlight, I believe more people will follow the sport," he said.
That's why the World Championships in Paris later this year is a big deal. Toma will be playing both events.
"My goal is simple — a medal, any colour," he said with a smile.