Russian duo hope to make badminton big at home

Russian players - (from lef) Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov.

SHAH ALAM: Muhd Hafiz Hashim was hailed as a national hero when he ended Malaysia’s 37-year wait for the All-England men’s singles crown in 2003. He was accorded a hero’s welcome and his feat made the front and back pages of all the major newspapers.

But there was no such fanfare in Russia for Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov when they won the All-England men’s doubles title. This is despite them becoming the first shuttlers from Russia to ever lift a title at the prestigious tournament last month.