In Fos-sur-Mer, the Popovs developed their own chemical formula for badminton.

Ambitious for the World Championships, which have been taking place in Paris since August 25, French badminton owes its current progress not only to its Parisian Olympic center. Two of the best French players, Christo Popov (world ^number 10) and Toma Junior Popov (world ^number 15), do not train at the National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP), on the outskirts of the capital, but with their family, in Fos-sur-Mer (Bouches-du-Rhône).

Alongside Alex Lanier ( ^7th ) and the mixed doubles pair, Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue ( ^8th ), who are members of the federal structure, the Popov siblings represent one of the medal chances for the French team in singles but also in doubles, where they are ranked number 19 in the world.

In the city best known for its petrochemical activities, the Popovs have, over the past twenty years, built one of the high-level nerve centers of this racquet sport, long confined to the school environment. A badminton coach, the father, Toma, emigrated to France from Bulgaria in 2003. His brother, Mikhail, was a professional player before him and had even worn the colors of the French national team.

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