Monika Sukackaitė is a professional badminton player who has been involved in the sport since the age of five. She is currently a first-year student in the Leisure Sports study program at Klaipėda University. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to represent my city’s university and contribute to promoting its name. I am also happy to have such a supportive team that keeps me motivated,” says Monika.
Matas Mackevičius chose badminton in childhood, following in his father’s footsteps, who was a pioneer of the sport in Kretinga. “My father became a coach and introduced me to badminton, which I have been playing since the second grade,” he says. Matas is currently a second-year student in the Leisure Sports program at Klaipėda University. “It was great to return to badminton and represent the university. Winning silver is very rewarding – eight universities participated, so this achievement is truly motivating,” he adds.
Jonas Petkus started playing badminton at the age of 12 in Kretinga together with his parents. Initially, it was just a hobby, but later he received an invitation to train in Klaipėda. “The training and players here were at a completely different level. That’s how my athletic journey began – I became a member of the youth national team, and at 16 I was already representing Lithuania’s senior national team,” says J. Petkus. He is currently a fourth-year student in the Leisure Sports program at Klaipėda University. According to the athlete, he aims to gain an education that will allow him to work professionally with people, educate them about proper physical activity, and help prevent injuries while ensuring safe and effective training. Speaking about the silver medal won in the team competition, Jonas says: “After a long time, we were able to participate in team competitions, as previously we didn’t have the minimum lineup. It’s great that we managed to win silver.”
Special attention was given to team member Kripa Maria Shaji, who began her bachelor’s studies this year at Klaipėda University in the Social Work and Crisis Intervention program. The student not only successfully integrated into the academic community but also made her debut in the competition. She has been playing badminton since the age of fourteen – starting with neighbors’ children and later joining her school team. After arriving in Klaipėda, she soon became a member of the university team.
“Lithuania has always interested me, especially Klaipėda by the Baltic Sea. My fellow students and the university community have been very supportive,” she says. She is happy living in Lithuania and notes that adapting to the new environment was not difficult. “I am very happy that just a few weeks after arriving, we already won silver medals. I am very grateful to the university for this opportunity,” says Kripa Maria Shaji.
