European Youth Championships | 9 Jul 2018

DRAGOMAN ready for the challenge in front of home crowd

2018 STAG European Youth Championships

 

From Sunday15th to Tuesday, July 24^th , Cluj – Napoca will be the host of the 2018 STAG European Youth Championships. Romania, the country with immense traditions in the sport of table tennis and with the very talented young generation will be the center of action for biggest youth gathering at Old Continent.

 

In Team’s Event, scheduled for the first part of the Championships, there are 42 Junior Boy’s Teams, 39 Junior Girls, 34 Cadet Boy’s and 40 Cadet Girls.

 

The pressure of playing at home soli could be powerful motive and heavy burden and the most of it lays on shoulder of Andreea DRAGOMAN. After Adina DIACONU moved to senior category with the silver medal at the last European Championships, Andreea took the leading role. In addition, rejuvenated team will be another great challenge for experienced DRAGOMAN.

 

“Right now, we are working hard and preparing for the Championships. I am already in Cluj Napoca working with seniors, Elizabeta SAMARA, Adina DIACONU, Bernadette SZOCS…among many others,” said DRAGOMAN.

 

Speaking about the pressure, Andreea looks at it from the bright side.

 

“I am very happy that I have the opportunity to play in front of my people. It is great pleasure and honour. In addition, it will be extra motive and advantage to seal my junior years with the last Championships in front of Romania’s supporters, at home,” added Andreea.

 

DRAGOMAN is also positive about the changes in the team.

 

“We are preparing for this for a long time and my new teammates are well adapted. They are already giving heir best at the trainings, and I am sure the results will be good at the competition as well. Already, this year, we had good results in Team’s Events; we played two finals against China at Czech Open and at the French Open. After such success our goal is medal in Cluj Napoca.”

 

In singles, last year, Andreea was halted in the quarterfinal.

 

“This year I will do my best to play good and to win the European title, especially as I play in my country.”

 

After the qualifications at the beginning of the year, DRAGOMAN already booked her place at the Olympic Youth Games in Buenos Aires in October latter this season.

 

“I also won silver in Women’s Doubles Event with Adina DIACONU, at the Under 21 European Championships in Minsk earlier this year. So far I am satisfied with my performance and I am looking forward new challenges in Cluj Napoca” reminded DRAGOMAN.