He Jiting: Encouragement from My Family Kept Me Going

Jayce September 6, 2024 2 0

At the end of 2023, the Chinese national men’s doubles team underwent another reorganization, leading to the formation of the pair He Jiting/Ren Xiangyu. In the following tournaments, they demonstrated considerable competitiveness.

Hoping the “Honeymoon Period” Lasts Longer

People say you and Xiaofu are in a honeymoon period. What do you think?

The honeymoon period is hard to describe. Mainly, when we first teamed up, there was a certain impact, and we gained confidence after achieving some results. Perhaps it’s also because others don’t know us very well yet, so our strengths haven’t been limited. Honestly, I hope the honeymoon period lasts a bit longer.

Evaluate yourself and your new partner. Is your feelings towards each other different now compared to before?

When I was opponents with Xiaofu, I already noticed his unique serve and receive, and his speed at the net. After becoming partners, I realized his speed at the net was even faster than I imagined.

Many believe that any pair would be more perfect if their smashes were heavier. Have you been focusing on targeted training for this?

I think it’s hard to achieve perfection in everything. It’s difficult to have both fast and heavy smashes. Ideally, who wouldn’t want smashes as heavy as Liang Weikeng’s?

Do you think pairing up has filled the technical gaps of previous combinations? Is the continuity of the new pair better or worse compared to the previous combination?

Relatively speaking, we don’t have very obvious weaknesses and aren’t complementary pairs, so we focus more on running more rationally while maintaining speed.

Both of you like to talk a lot. Does this lead to a clash of too much talking when paired together?

Yes, we both talk a lot, constantly. With two talkative people together, there’s never a silent moment.

Can you briefly describe each of your partners?

Du Yue is thoughtful and knows what she wants, and she’s very competitive. Aqiang and Haodong are similar, with quieter personalities and simple ways of handling things, but they have their own ideas. Xiaofu, well, he’s talkative but quite easygoing.

Hoping to Participate in the Thomas Cup

What goals do you have for the new 2024 season?

I haven’t won the Thomas Cup yet. The last time I participated, we lost, so I hope to compete this year and bring the Thomas Cup back.

What key moments or experiences in your career have had the greatest impact on you?

It should be when I was young, just starting to study badminton. At that time, watching Dan Ge, Bao Ge, and Yun Ge play made me look forward to the future. During the youth competitions, watching my seniors like Siwei and Xiangzi play, I learned a lot and formed my understanding of the game.

In the 2023 season, you returned to mixed doubles, winning a particularly good match against De/Cha. You also participated in the Universiade with Du Yue. How did it feel to pair up again in mixed doubles after a few years?

Our awareness on the court is clearer now. Honestly, we both don’t remember how to play mixed doubles, so we just rely on our skills.

Why do Fan Jie and Dongping Jie call you “A Si”?

Once, when Du Yue and I played a match, we were scored only four points in a game by Wang Qilin and his partner. It was quite embarrassing, so they started calling me “A Si”

What was the most memorable match of 2023? Looking ahead to 2024, what breakthroughs and goals do you hope to achieve?

Kumamoto and Germany! Kumamoto was significant as it was our first championship as a new pair, and it was the first time Xiaofu and I won a men’s doubles title in a 500-series event. In Germany, during the match against a German pair, there were many calls by the umpire that we found questionable.

Is there anyone you particularly want to thank for the 2023 season, or who had a significant influence on you this year?

My parents and family. During tough times when I wasn’t performing well and my health wasn’t good, their comfort and encouragement kept me going.

When you weren’t achieving remarkable results, how did you maintain your mindset?

At that time, my mindset was really bad and quite fragile. I questioned the value and meaning of persevering. I talked a lot with my coaches, family, and friends, and the most important thing was to adjust my mood.

How did winning in Madrid feel compared to Kumamoto?

The Spain Masters final was relatively easy, so I wasn’t as excited, but I was still very happy. In Kumamoto, because it was our first title as a new pair and a higher-level event, it was more exciting.

Feeling Embarrassed Being Called “Xiugou”

Do you like being called “Xiugou”? To always be a happy puppy.

I don’t mind, but it feels a bit strange when it’s said too often, and I feel embarrassed.

Does “Xiugou” dislike Stitch?

I don’t dislike Stitch.

In 2023, you competed in many countries and cities. Which place did you like the most?

The Japan Open and Kumamoto Open, because the food was good.

Why don’t you like wearing sleeveless shirts?

Because I like to wipe my sweat with my shoulders, so I need fabric on my shoulders.

Have you been reading books recently? Any new insights?

When I was in Europe, I read a book called “Every Day Acting as an Emotionally Stable Adult.” Reading does impact my inner thoughts and ideas. A notable insight is that when you lose control of your emotions, you can’t handle things well, so there’s no need to argue with others or solve problems when you’re emotional.

Where do you rank your looks among the Chinese men’s badminton team?

Top ten.

Everyone likes your current hairstyle, like a curly puppy. How long can you keep it? Do you plan to challenge a new hairstyle?

Actually, this hairstyle is semi-permanent. If I let it grow, it will be like this. I want to grow it longer, but it’s not realistic for the sports team as it’s hard to manage and play with long hair as it obstructs my vision. Sometimes, when my bangs are too long, it makes training uncomfortable.

What’s your favorite cartoon character?

I love many cartoons and comics. I particularly like Pokémon.

MBTI: The Happy Puppy

What’s your MBTI?

ENFP, the happy puppy?

When will you shoot a vlog for everyone to see?

I don’t like shooting videos, don’t know how to shoot, and don’t know what to shoot.

Are you more nervous watching matches or playing them yourself?

Watching matches, but now it’s better. I don’t get particularly nervous because I take things more lightly.

Why do you seem to be daydreaming during post-match interviews? Are you daydreaming? Hahaha.

I don’t think so. Maybe it’s just that I’m tired after the match, or I’m thinking about the game because Xiaofu talks more, and I just look at one spot and think.

How is your injury? I saw you wearing a back brace in recent matches.

It’s fine now. Previously, my back wasn’t comfortable.

Has anyone said you look like Liu Haoran?

Some people have said that, but I don’t think I look like him.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like shopping, watching movies, and eating good food. I also like trendy stuff and often end up buying things impulsively.