Misha Zilberman (L) and Svetlana Zilberman of Israel pose for photos after their match at the BWF World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Xinhua/Xiao Yazhuo)
Israel's mother-son duo Svetlana and Misha Zilberman continue to write their inspirational story on the badminton court.
By sportswriters Xiao Yazhuo and Lin Jing
COPENHAGEN, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- At the ongoing Badminton World Championships in Copenhagen, not only did renowned world champions like Viktor Axelsen and Akane Yamaguchi attract attention, but a mixed doubles pair from Israel also enjoyed the spotlight.
Even from their appearance, it's hard not to notice them. The female athlete, Svetlana Zilberman, is already 65 years old, older than most coaches. When she stands on the court alongside her partner Misha Zilberman, one might be forgiven for wondering why the coach is playing.
Technically, such a thought isn't incorrect, because Svetlana is indeed Misha's coach, but she also has an even more important role - that of Misha's mother.
"When I participated in the men's singles matches, my mother was my coach. But in the mixed doubles matches, we're partners," Misha told reporters.
In this World Championships, this unique mother-son duo won their opening mixed doubles round against an Egyptian pair, but were defeated in the round of 32 by China's Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin.
65-year-old Svetlana once again re-wrote her own record as the oldest winner in the history of the badminton worlds. Last year in Tokyo, they advanced through the first round, making Svetlana, at 64, the holder of this record. Before that, the record holder was just 38 years old.
Misha (R) and Svetlana Zilberman react during the mixed doubles round of 32 match against Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin of China at the BWF World Championships on Aug. 22, 2023. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)
In the match against Jiang and Wei, although the audience cheered for Svetlana and Misha, the considerable gap between the two pairs left them with little chance, and they lost two straight games in less than half an hour. Since Misha had already lost to Denmark's home talent Anders Antonsen in the men's singles first round the previous day, the journey of this mother-son duo in this World Championships came to an end.
"At my age, it's actually quite difficult to compete at such a high level. I can only give it my all," Svetlana said.
When they were being interviewed, Misha was mostly responsible for answering, and Svetlana occasionally added a few words. Due to language issues, Misha sometimes played the role of translator for his mother.
"For me, being a player is much easier than being a coach. As a coach, I'm actually more nervous and have to consider many things. As a player on the court, you only need to focus on the game, so you actually have fewer concerns," Svetlana said.
In her younger days, Svetlana was one of the top European women's singles players who won a bronze medal in the 1986 European Championships, representing the former Soviet Union. After emigrating to Israel, she won the national championship in women's singles, women's doubles or mixed doubles a total of 38 times.
Misha (R) and Svetlana Zilberman in action. (Photo courtesy of BWF website)
Most of her mixed doubles championships were achieved with her son Misha. They first partnered up in 2005, winning their first national championship in the same year, and in 2009, they made their debut on the world championships stage. They have been partners for 18 years now.
Asked why she chose to partner with her son for mixed doubles, Svetlana admitted it was because badminton is a niche sport in Israel, and there weren't many excellent female players available to partner with Misha.
"So I decided to team up with him and participate in competitions," Svetlana said.
Svetlana and her husband run two badminton clubs in Israel, where Misha trains. As both Svetlana and Misha frequently travel abroad for competitions, most of the club's day-to-day affairs are managed by Misha's father. Sometimes, if they don't have mixed doubles assignments, they switch roles - Misha's father accompanies him for competitions abroad, while Svetlana stays in Israel, where she also serves as coach of the country's national team.
Many people believe that partnering with one's own mother could add extra pressure on Misha on the court. However, Misha stated that he doesn't feel that way at all.
"In mixed doubles, we are here to enjoy more, so there's absolutely no pressure," Misha said, but he quickly shifted the conversation, "But in singles matches, she's especially strict and often criticizes me during training."
Misha Zilberman goes for a return. (Photo courtesy of BWF website)
When discussing his idols in his career, Misha mentioned that Chinese retired superstar Lin Dan is his favorite player, but emphasized his mother Svetlana is a "different kind of player."
"My mother is the most unique one. Without her, I wouldn't be here, and I wouldn't have taken this path. She's the most important person in my career, the inspiration for my whole life. Except for her, then it is Lin Dan," Misha said with a smile.
In 2012, Misha participated in the London Olympics, becoming the first Israeli badminton player to compete on the Olympic stage. At Rio in 2016, Misha became the first Israeli to win an Olympic badminton match, and at the following Tokyo Olympics, Misha secured two victories. Looking ahead, his goal is to qualify for the Paris Olympics next year.
"If I can participate in the Olympics one more time, it would be a very perfect ending," Misha said.
After the interview, Misha asked reporters to take a photo of him and his mother in the mixed zone.
"The World Championships are over, and I just realized we haven't taken a photo together. Could you please help us take one?" Misha said to reporters. ■
