The Chinese national badminton team began its pursuit of a historic fourth consecutive title at the Sudirman Cup World Mixed Team Badminton Championships on Sunday. Featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the team aims to secure its 14th overall championship.
In their opening match, the Chinese team easily defeated Team Algeria 5-0 at the Xiamen Fenghuang Gymnasium in Fujian Province. This victory marked the start of their campaign for the prestigious title, with adjustments made to the squad after the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
The Sudirman Cup, the first major world team badminton event leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, serves as a key opportunity for China to evaluate its squad and strategize for future success.
A Powerful Team Eyeing the Prize
China has long been a dominant force in the Sudirman Cup, securing 13 titles in its history. After their three-peat victory in 2023 in Suzhou, the team is determined to extend their reign.
While star players like female singles champion Chen Yufei and doubles expert Chen Qingchen are temporarily taking a break, the team’s preparations are in full swing. Men’s world No.1 Shi Yuqi is recovering from a knee injury, and adjustments have been made to the mixed doubles pairings, including new combinations of Huang Dongping and Feng Yanzhe, and Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin.
The performance of both veterans and rookies in the group stage will be critical to China’s chances of defending its title in Xiamen.
Team Spirit and Determination
The team is motivated, with athletes showing confidence ahead of the competition. “The atmosphere of a team event is different from individual events,” said Shi Yuqi, speaking about the boost the team receives from cheering teammates and supportive fans.
Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin, making their Sudirman Cup debut as a mixed doubles pair, are eager to contribute. “I want to give my best and help the team win,” said Wei, while Jiang expressed excitement for the opportunity.
Veterans Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, known for their strong personalities off the court, are focused on maintaining energy throughout the competition. “We want to play in every match, but energy management is key,” said Liang.
Huang Dongping and Feng Yanzhe are also aiming for victory, with Huang emphasizing the importance of approaching the competition with seriousness and determination.
The women’s doubles world No.1 pair, Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning, are determined to perform at their highest level. “We want to let go of the pressure and show our strength,” said Tan, confident after their recent win at the Asian Championships.
Chen Boyang and Liu Yi, both making their Sudirman Cup debut, are ready for the challenge. “We are excited to play at home and feel the support from the crowd,” said Chen.
Global Recognition for China’s Badminton Leadership
At the event, newly elected Badminton World Federation (BWF) President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul expressed admiration for China’s contribution to global badminton. She emphasized the importance of collaborating with China to further develop the sport worldwide.
Patama praised China’s success not only in badminton but across many sports. “China has become successful in nearly every sport, and we are eager to learn from their strategies,” she said.
BWF Secretary-General Thomas Lund also recognized China’s efforts to grow the sport, noting the increasing number of international badminton events held in China. “We’ve seen fantastic events in cities like Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Chengdu,” he said, also praising the Chinese national team for its top-tier performance on the global stage.
Lund highlighted the importance of Chinese players becoming international stars, helping raise the profile of the sport around the world. “The future of badminton depends on showcasing the incredible talent of Chinese players globally,” he added.
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