Mark Caljouw

Mark Caljouw, the Dutch badminton athlete, entered the badminton scene at the young age of eight, initiating his journey at Rijswijk's BC Randstad. His birth date is January 25, 1995.

In the year 2008, Caljouw earned his spot in the national squad, and by 2012, he marked his debut in the international senior circuit. Making his presence felt in Ankara, Turkey, during the 2013 European Junior Championships, Caljouw clinched two medals, triumphing in both the boys' singles category and the mixed team division. Acknowledged for his skills, he was selected to partake in the Badminton Europe "Future Stars" Player Development Plan.

The year 2017 witnessed a remarkable achievement as Caljouw, in the semifinals, vanquished the reigning champion Erik Meijs and went on to conquer the top-seeded Nick Fransman in the men's singles National Championships. The trend continued in 2018, as he once again outplayed Fransman, successfully retaining his title. In 2019, the championship match saw Caljouw defeating Aram Mahmoud to secure his consecutive triumph. The years 2020 and 2022 witnessed a similar narrative, with Caljouw emerging victorious by defeating the emerging talent Joran Kweekel.

He secured a spot in the semi-finals of both the Dutch Open and the Scottish Open, achieving this feat twice in both 2017 and 2018. Notably, in 2017, he also advanced to the semi-final stage of the Bitburger Open in Germany. A significant milestone in 2018 marked his first major victory at the Orléans Masters, a BWF Tour 100 event. Impressively, he defended the title he had claimed the previous year when the event still held the status of an International Challenge event.

Further adding to his accomplishments in 2018, he reached the final of the US Open, a BWF Tour 300 event. The following year, 2019, witnessed his success at the Austrian Open and the Kharkiv International, both recognized as International Challenge events.

Caljouw's Flawless Playing With Sai Praneeth

Enduring a challenging phase between the exit from the Olympics in August and the World Championships in December, Mark Caljouw grappled with a heart condition that necessitated surgery in September. Illustrating the problem, he shared that his heart would occasionally exhibit abnormally high beats during training sessions or matches, adversely affecting his performance and raising apprehensions. Optimistic about a positive outcome following the surgery, he assured a swift return to the game.

Staying true to his promise, Caljouw made a comeback at the Huelva World Championships, initially falling behind Sai Praneeth in the opening set with a score of 21-17. Showcasing a distinctive playing style characterized by his tall stature and arm movements resembling tentacles, Caljouw intensified the pace in the second set, putting pressure on Sai. The Indian player visibly grappled with fitness issues, but Caljouw, employing rapid movements and strategic gameplay, left him with no room for reprieve. Despite Sai's varied dribble techniques, Caljouw, standing at 187 cms, displayed an impressive low center of gravity in his defensive maneuvers at the forecourt, successfully retrieving nearly 95 percent of shuttles at the net.

Mark Caljouw's unique playing style, distinguished by his long strides and extendable arms, posed a significant challenge for Sai Praneeth in the front corners and at the center. The Indian player encountered difficulty in breaking through Caljouw's intricate spidey-Superman webbed defense, while the Dutchman showcased proficiency in executing angled cross-court smash kills. Despite Sai's efforts to diversify the game with drops, smashes, and dribbles, Caljouw's unwavering determination was evident, culminating in a decisive 21-7 victory in the second set.

Mark Caljouw, often regarded as a peripheral figure hailing from the Netherlands, consistently posed a formidable challenge for Indian opponents, leveraging his nimble movements and well-rounded skills. Tipping the scales at approximately 77 kg, he showcased exemplary footwork, effortlessly maneuvering across the court. Sai Praneeth experimented with various strategies, yet Caljouw's unwavering intensity and precise control over the shuttle demonstrated his deep passion for the sport. Despite Sai initially taking the lead in the deciding moments, Caljouw persistently applied pressure, seizing opportunities and ultimately securing a 21-18 victory. Caljouw's ability to maintain composure and exploit openings, even in the face of his opponent's physical challenges, underscored his resilience and unwavering determination.

Mark Caljouw steadily narrowed the lead, equalizing at 17-all, and then capitalized on the momentum to surge ahead. The turning point came with three swift points that proved more impactful than a resilient 40-shot rally where Sai valiantly defended. By the time Caljouw clinched the set at 21-18, Sai appeared depleted, either suffering from cramps or feeling unwell as he leaned against the advertisement boards. Undeterred, the Dutchman pumped his fist and confidently marched forward, his resolute spirit evident in every beat of his heart.

BWF World Tour (1 Title, 3 Runners - Up)

Unveiled on 19 March 2017 and put into action in 2018, the BWF World Tour stands as a collection of prestigious badminton tournaments officially sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). This tour is structured into distinct tiers, comprising the World Tour Finals, Super 1000, Super 750, Super 500, Super 300, and the BWF Tour Super 100.