Hounslow’s Rajiv Ouseph is looking to use the disappointment from London 2012 as he bids to reach at least the quarter-final stage at Rio 2016 after being named in Team GB’s Olympic squad.
Ouseph was one of eight players selected to represent Great Britain at this summer’s showpiece in Brazil at the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes on Monday and it will be the 29-year-old’s second Games.
His first Olympics four years ago ended in disappointment as he exited the competition at the group stage after defeat to Guatemalan Kevin Cordon, who was ranked 13 places below him in the rankings at that time.
“Being part of London 2012 was really exciting. I don’t think I performed as well as I would have liked to so I can use that energy and experience from last time in a positive way to get a better result in Rio and perform to where I am capable of,” Ouseph said.
“I am feeling excited now the announcement has happened. It is becoming more real as every day passes.
“This is what we have been aiming for for the last year or so and I am generally really looking forward to going and seeing what Rio brings.”
It is the first time since the Athens 2004 Olympic Games that Great Britain has representation across all five disciplines in badminton.
Team GB have won two medals in badminton since its inclusion as a full-medal sport in 1992 – with Simon Archer and Joanne Goode taking bronze at Sydney 2000 and Gail Emms and Nathan Robertson winning silver four years later in Athens.
With Ouseph ranked 14th in the world, he acknowledged a title challenge would be a tough ask but is targeting a spot in the last eight.
He added: “My aim is to get to the quarter-finals. The men’s singles is a really tough event and there are a lot of strong players in there.
“If I play to my capabilities then I think I could get to the quarter-finals and then see what happens.
“It is a hard but realistic target and it is one that I will try my best to achieve.”
For more reaction go to badmintonengland.co.uk or sign up to receive their free Fan Club Daily Rio Reports for the latest news, behind the scenes footage and Team GB player interviews throughout the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at www.badmintonengland.co.uk/fanclub
