Israeli Lina Glushko struggled to concentrate on tennis as the war between Israel and Hamas raged.
While on tour, Glushko worried for the safety of his friends and family back home and faced personal loss as the conflict began. “All my friends did their military service from the start of the war. I lost friends during the war. I had a friend who died the day the war started. It was very difficult,” Glushko said after winning her doubles quarter-final at the $1 million KPB Trust Women’s Open here alongside Russian partner Anastasia Tikhonova.
Anastasia Tikhonova of Russia (left) and Lina Glushko of Israel (right), during the KPB Trust Women’s Open at the KSLTA Stadium in Bangalore on Thursday. | Photo credit: K MURALI KUMAR/THE HINDOU
Anastasia Tikhonova of Russia (left) and Lina Glushko of Israel (right), during the KPB Trust Women’s Open at the KSLTA Stadium in Bangalore on Thursday. | Photo credit: K MURALI KUMAR/THE HINDOU
Glushko had served two mandatory years in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
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Glushko hopes that the recent ceasefire will eventually lead to long-term peace. “In my country it never stops because we are in constant conflict. My friends and family are there, so I’m obviously constantly stressed about them. It’s really sad to say that I’m sort of used to this conflict, because this isn’t the first war we’ve had. We have it constantly. I just hope things get better soon and improve all over the world, not just in our country. I want peace everywhere,” said the 25-year-old.
At times, Glushko had to hide his nationality to stay safe. “When I play a tournament, I have my Israeli flag next to my name, so I can’t hide it. However, when I go to countries hostile to Israel, if I am alone on the street, I try to hide my identity,” she said.
On the pitch, there is additional motivation to perform well. “When I’m on the field, I try to bring some happiness and good news to my country and my family,” Glushko said.
