Endrina Nau is one of six players from Wallis and Futuna who made their international debut at this year’s Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022.
While some players may use this opportunity to kickstart their own ambitions of a competitive badminton career, Endrina is driven by the thought of inspiring her children and instilling good habits.
The 30-year-old player has two children, aged 11 and 7. Her badminton journey started at school, but she originally decided to dedicate her time to the volleyball team. However, in 2014, she was looking for a different sport and rekindled her passion for badminton, joining a local club and playing on a regular basis ever since. She has competed in only one other badminton tournament – a territorial championship in New Caledonia in 2017.
Both of her children also attend a badminton club and show a similar commitment to the sport. Endrina hopes that her participation in the Pacific Mini Games will encourage them to continue playing and realise the potential of sport to assist with healthy lifestyles, motivation and the numerous transferrable skills.
“My greatest motivation is my children. They also play badminton and by reaching a competitive level, I would like to prove them that in life and sport, they can achieve anything if they work hard. Especially if they love it,” says Endrina.
In preparation for the Games, Endrina trained three times a week, on top of some physical training.
“…Since that I have lost weight I can say healthy mind, healthy body,” says Endrina.
Wallis and Futuna are Badminton Oceania’s newest member association, having joined in August 2021.
Article adapted from the Badminton Oceania website.