Indonesia delivered an outstanding performance, capturing their second Junior Mixed Team Championship title after defeating China, the tournament hosts, in a hard-fought final. While the match was competitive, Indonesia gained the upper hand after the second match and maintained their lead throughout to secure victory.
European Performances: Europe saw several strong showings in this year’s tournament. Denmark reached the quarter-finals and secured an impressive 8th-place finish, despite a few narrow losses. After a tight group-stage defeat to Chinese Taipei, France excelled in the 9-16 bracket, securing a series of notable victories and finishing in 10th place. Poland fell to the eventual champions, Indonesia, in the group stage but competed well in the 9-16 bracket, ending with a respectable 12th-place finish.
Rounding out the top 16, Turkey finished 14th, England placed 15th, and Estonia claimed 16th.
Additional European nations performed well, with placements as follows:
Family is the first classroom of life, and parents are a child’s first teachers.
The Zhejiang Women’s Federation, together with the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Education and Zhejiang Daily Group, launched the “Zheli: Effective Parenting—Province-wide ‘Hundreds and Thousands’ Parent School Series Activities,” inviting parents across the province to share their insights on family education. Let’s take a closer look at Wang Yilu’s family from Xiuzhou!
“When I saw Wang Yilu win the championship on TV, I was in complete shock. I never imagined my son would become Jiaxing’s first Olympic champion,” recalls Wang Yilu’s mother, Fu Huihong, when thinking back to the summer of 2021.
The Path of Badminton: Accompanied by Growth
Badminton has accompanied Wang Yilu’s journey of growth. At 8, he began formal training, at 9, he was selected for the provincial team, and at 13, he entered the national team. Through countless training sessions, successes, and failures, his love and dedication to badminton never wavered. In 2021, Wang Yilu won the gold medal in the mixed doubles event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Nineteen years of hard work, from a child practicing in school to an Olympic champion standing on the highest podium, Wang Yilu’s journey was full of sweat and tears. Along the way, he was showered with flowers and applause, but none of it would have been possible without the discipline and love from his parents.
Persevering with a Strong Family Tradition Since childhood, Wang Yilu has been guided by his family’s tradition of perseverance. “Perhaps it’s because I left home to join the military at 18, I always believed children should learn to be independent and strong,” shares Wang Yilu’s father, Wang Kuanyong, who once served in the military and had high expectations for his son.
When Wang Yilu joined the school’s badminton team, practice was from 6:30 to 8:30. Three years later, he entered the provincial sports school, maintaining two hours of daily training. Falls and injuries were common, but Wang Yilu’s father always offered encouragement. No matter how difficult it got, Wang Yilu would grit his teeth and push through.
Overcoming Challenges with Mental Strength
“His ability to win the championship is inseparable from his strong mental resilience. Since he was young, Wang Yilu had a great mindset,” says his mother, Fu Huihong. As a child, Wang Yilu was smaller and weaker than other team members, which put him at a disadvantage during training. But during matches, his calm demeanor helped him recover from early setbacks, allowing him to slowly regain control.
Of course, the path to becoming an Olympic champion wasn’t always smooth. Wang Yilu had moments of doubt and once even considered quitting. “After losing a match one year, Wang Yilu felt he couldn’t beat either the top or younger players. He was devastated and wanted to give up badminton,” recalls Fu Huihong. As a mother, she felt heartbroken, but when Wang Yilu sought her advice, she firmly told him to persevere. “I told him, giving up too easily would mean wasting all the hard work he had put in over the years.”
Letters: A Tangible Form of Love
As Wang Yilu grew older, he spent most of his time between training and competitions, only returning home for a day or two during the New Year, and sometimes not at all for an entire year. However, his parents made it a priority to attend his domestic matches whenever possible.
Parental companionship is always limited, often constrained by time and distance. “I’ve always felt that letters have a special significance. Unlike other forms of communication, letters can be kept and reread over time,” says Fu Huihong. She made it a tradition to write letters to Wang Yilu before important matches. During the Olympics, she even handwrote a long letter, sent it to the national team in advance, and repeatedly reminded him, “Take care of yourself, get enough sleep…”
Each time Wang Yilu faced challenges, his mother would share her life experiences, offering wisdom and understanding. “I would try to put myself in his shoes and help him analyze the situation, but I always left the final decision up to him,” she adds.
Though the words written may be limited, each letter, sent across time and distance, carries immeasurable weight. They are filled with a parent’s love and care for their child, a lasting testament to their enduring bond.
Tai Tzu Ying was originally scheduled to participate in two upcoming events in Europe, including the Arctic Badminton Open in Finland next week and the Denmark Open. However, she has now confirmed her withdrawal from the tournament, as indicated on the official website’s participation list.
Ranked fifth in the world, Tai Tzu Ying competed in the Paris Olympics this year despite being injured but unfortunately was eliminated in the group stage. With her retirement countdown underway, she didn’t want to disappoint her fans and planned to compete as scheduled. However, her knee injury has been a constant issue. She reached the semifinals of the Japan Open but withdrew due to knee problems. She made it to the quarterfinals in Taipei, but also had to withdraw in Hong Kong. In her most recent competition, she was eliminated in the first round of the China Open.
Today, Tai visited Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for further examination of her knee injury to determine her upcoming schedule. Earlier, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) website showed changes in the participation list; Tai was initially listed for both the Arctic and Denmark Opens but has now been marked as withdrawn.
Coach Lai Chien-Cheng stated that they had originally planned to depart for Europe this week, but after assessment, the team felt that having Tai compete while constantly battling injuries was not ideal. Therefore, she will focus on healing her injuries throughout October, and her upcoming schedule will be determined based on her condition.
Denmark’s mixed doubles player Mathias Christiansen has been handed a one-year suspension by the Danish Sports Federation’s Doping Board due to errors in reporting his whereabouts to Anti-Doping Denmark.
Christiansen, who withdrew from the Paris 2024 Olympics after qualifying with Alexandra BØje, will be banned until July 21, 2025. The ‘whereabouts’ issue refers to the player’s duty to inform the anti-doping agency of his daily location. After three reporting mistakes within a year, Christiansen became eligible for the suspension.
“I’m relieved that there’s finally clarity on the matter and that I received the shortest possible ban,” said Christiansen. “I had no intention of cheating, and the ruling confirms that. Now, I’m focusing on my training to come back stronger.”
During the suspension, Christiansen will train privately at the Yonex Peter Gade Academy. Badminton Denmark’s sports manager, Jens Meibom, expressed disappointment about losing Christiansen for a year but acknowledged the importance of respecting the rules.
“We’re glad Mathias has clarity now and is already focused on training. We’ll be ready to welcome him back when his ban ends.”
There’s no better way to conclude a career than by winning Olympic gold—Lee Yang achieved this feat not once, but twice. His partnership with Wang Chi-Lin stands out in badminton history, especially given their surprising rise to glory despite not winning a title in the preceding year.
Their Olympic journey was filled with remarkable moments, culminating in a final that may go down as one of the greatest ever. After facing challenges in their partnership post-Tokyo 2020, the duo overcame fitness struggles to prevail in nail-biting matches at the Olympics.
In the gold medal match at Paris 2024, Lee Yang showcased exceptional talent and composure, steering the pair through the ups and downs of the competition. Both players had humble beginnings, but their complementary skills flourished when they teamed up in 2018, marking the start of a successful partnership.
After a rocky path through inconsistent performances, the duo rediscovered their winning formula in Paris, overcoming doubts and fierce competition to reclaim the gold. “I’m happy that, with such tough competition, we still managed to win the gold medal,” said Lee Yang, reflecting on their remarkable journey.
The challenge for doubles shuttler Tan Wee Kiong has come to an end at the Macau Open, yet he remains upbeat. The 35-year-old Wee Kiong, alongside partner Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub, faced defeat in the semi-finals against the Indonesian pair Sabar Karyaman and Moh Reza Pahlevi, with scores of 12-21, 19-21.
Malaysia men double players, Tan Wee Kiong and Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub in action during against the Chinese Taipei players, Chen Cheng Kuan and Chen Sheng Fa at the semi final Bergamot KL Masters Malaysia Super 100 2023 at Stadium Titiwangsa on November 04.—AZMAN GHANI/The Star
“It’s our first semis in the World Tour 300 tournament,” stated Wee Kiong. He previously earned a silver medal with Goh V Shem at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games and has been competing with Azriyn since their pairing at the Taiwan Open in June last year.
Additionally, the mixed doubles duo Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Su Yin also exited the tournament, losing a hard-fought match 15-21, 21-17, 14-21 to Dejan Ferdinansyah and Gloria Emanuelle from Indonesia.
Former badminton legend Lee Chong Wei believes that no matter how great a coach is, success depends on the player’s hard work and determination. Reflecting on his own career and experience under several coaches, including Misbun Sidek, Chong Wei emphasized that without a strong personal commitment from the player, results won’t follow. He used Viktor Axelsen as an example, highlighting that although Axelsen’s coach is his father-in-law, the Danish shuttler’s dedication to training plays the key role in his success.
The recent departure of former international player James Chua from the Malaysian national team to coach in the Czech Republic has raised concerns about the current coaching structure in Malaysia. Only Hendrawan and Datuk Tey Seu Bock remain to guide the men’s singles squad, but their future roles are uncertain as Rexy Mainaky considers changes.
Former national badminton player Datuk Lee Chong Wei and China’s Lin Dan present at the press conference to announce two new players Carolina Marin and Saina Nehwal to The Legends’ Vision. Carolina was absent. 08 JANUARY —CHAN TAK KONG/The Star/SAKTESH
Chong Wei pointed out that the coaching lineup should be stable to achieve long-term success, especially with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon. While Malaysian coaches like James Chua, Wong Choong Hann, and others find opportunities abroad, Chong Wei stressed the importance of consistent, quality training to stay at the top.
On September 19, 2024, the second round of the China Badminton Open began. After taking a break following the Olympics, China’s men’s doubles pair Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang were defeated 1-2 by Indonesia’s Fikri/Maulana, missing out on a spot in the quarterfinals. The three-game match ended with scores of 19-21, 21-18, 17-21.
After the match, they said that they always aim to win every game on court, but their current form is not sufficient to achieve that. After the Olympics, transitioning from a state of high tension to relaxation, and now starting over, takes time, and they need to rebuild step by step. Despite the external attention, they emphasized that when it comes to playing, it’s the two of them on the court, so focusing on themselves is what matters most.
Facing his former rival Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, Shi Yuqi suffered a crushing defeat, losing 11-21, 9-21, and ending his journey at the China Open early. In the men’s singles round of 16 on September 19, world No. 1 Shi Yuqi still appeared passive in his performance.
Once upon a time, Shi Yuqi had dominated Ginting, winning 11 of their previous 13 matches. However, this latest defeat marks his third loss to Ginting since his return in 2022. After making his comeback at the World Championships in 2022, Shi Yuqi lost to Ginting in a grueling three-game battle. He was again defeated in the group stage of last year’s BWF World Tour Finals, where Ginting made a comeback. Compared to those matches, this time, Shi Yuqi was dispatched in just 27 minutes, with even his coach Sun Jun, who has trained him since childhood, shaking his head in disbelief from the sidelines.
When he was trailing 3-15 in the second game, Shi Yuqi requested a medical timeout to treat injuries to his left foot and back.
Since his disappointing quarterfinal finish at the Paris Olympics, Shi Yuqi has repeatedly expressed negative emotions. After defeating former world No. 1 Son Wan Ho at the Korea Open, he jokingly remarked, “I, the weakest world No. 1, have finally beaten him today.” When asked about his newly dyed hair, he responded, “I used to be afraid of perming it, but now that I’m close to retirement, why not change it up?” After winning his first-round match at the China Open, he couldn’t help but complain, “I didn’t perform well at the Olympics, so now I’m working overtime. The ones who played well are attending concerts, while I’m stuck here.”
After his second-round elimination, Shi Yuqi, who often speaks sarcastically, commented, “Today’s result was caused by both mental and physical injuries. I think I played pretty well.”
Having competed in three tournaments since the Olympics, Shi Yuqi has expressed confusion about how to change his current situation. He also thanked fans who urged him to rest, saying, “I’m also thinking about whether I should continue or if this is enough.” In the short term, however, Shi Yuqi still has a goal: to qualify for the year-end BWF World Tour Finals. “I need to participate in at least two more tournaments to secure enough points,” he said.
The year-end BWF World Tour Finals, held in Hangzhou, is the last tournament of the season. According to the rules, the top eight players from each discipline, based on their best 14 tournament results, will qualify for the finals, with a maximum of two players (or pairs) per association. Shi Yuqi, currently ranked world No. 1, is fighting for more ranking points.
In this tournament, China’s top three male singles players (Shi Yuqi, Li Shifeng, and Lu Guangzu) were all eliminated early, while Weng Hongyang and Lei Lanxi performed admirably. Weng Hongyang, who defeated Lee Cheuk Yiu in the first round, came from behind to beat Chou Tien Chen 20-22, 21-18, 21-15 in the second round. Lei Lanxi, who previously knocked out Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen, comfortably defeated Kenta Nishimoto 21-8, 21-17.
Additionally, the highly anticipated men’s doubles pair Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang were defeated 19-21, 21-18, 17-21 by Fikri/Maulana, falling short of reaching the quarterfinals.
In a groundbreaking achievement for both Nigeria and the African continent, Mariam Eniola Bolaji has etched her name in history as the first African athlete to secure a badminton medal at the Paralympic Games. The 18-year-old Nigerian star claimed the bronze medal in the women’s singles SL3 category at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna in straight sets, 21-9, 21-9. This win not only marks Nigeria’s first medal at the Paris Paralympics but also solidifies Bolaji‘s place in the history of African badminton.
In a brief interview with BCA TV after her historic bronze medal win, Mariam Eniola Bolaji expressed her excitement, saying, “I am extremely happy with my result at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, and I know it’s due to sheer determination and discipline. I dedicate this victory to my family, my federation, the BCA, and everyone who believed in me throughout my journey. I hope to maintain this momentum in my upcoming tournaments.”
Bolaji‘s path to this remarkable achievement is both inspiring and emotional. Her success comes just three years after the tragic passing of her coach, Bello Oyebanji, who died in a car accident as she was preparing for the Tokyo Paralympics. Despite the odds, Bolaji‘s resilience and determination have made her a symbol of hope for aspiring para-athletes across Africa.
The CEO of the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA), Mr. Jeff Shigoli, expressed immense pride in Bolaji‘s accomplishment, stating, “This is a historic moment for both Nigeria and Africa, and I commend Mariam for this incredible achievement. It’s a dream come true for us at the BCA, showing that the structures and programs we’ve put in place to support athletes are working. I’m confident this is just the beginning, and we’ll see more African athletes following in Mariam’s footsteps to achieve even greater success.”
This victory is more than just a personal accomplishment for Bolaji. It highlights the development of para-badminton in Africa and shows the continent’s increasing presence on the global stage. Her success is a testament to the talent and potential within African sports, particularly in areas that have been underrepresented.
The President of the Badminton Nigeria Federation (BNF), Mr. Francis Orbih, also shared his pride in Bolaji‘s achievement, stating, “I am extremely proud of Mariam and her success at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Her accomplishment motivates us at the Federation to keep pushing our athletes. Mariam and her coach worked tirelessly, and this victory is the result of years of practice and discipline. This medal is not just for Nigeria but for all of Africa, representing the hard work and dedication of our athletes.”
Dina Abouzeid Sariñena, Bolaji‘s coach and mentor, also reflected on her athlete’s success, saying, “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see players achieving their goals after all their hard work. A medal at Paris 2024 was the goal we set from the beginning, and I’m thrilled to see it come to fruition. We worked hard, and the preparation was challenging, but Mariam trusted me, and I’m incredibly proud of her. This is just the start, and she has a bright future ahead.”
As Africa celebrates this monumental win, Bolaji‘s victory will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of para-athletes across the continent. The BCA remains dedicated to supporting and nurturing talents like Mariam Eniola Bolaji, ensuring that African badminton continues to thrive on the global stage. This accomplishment is not just a personal triumph for Bolaji but a collective victory for African sports, paving the way for even greater achievements in the future.
In a surprising turn at the China Open, mixed doubles pair Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Su Yin defeated Taiwan’s Yang Po-hsuan and Hu Ling-fang, ranked 13th in the world. The Malaysian duo, ranked 32nd, won 21-17, 21-16 in just 28 minutes at the Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium in Changzhou.
Pang Ron and Su Yin, who have only been playing together since November, managed to pressure their higher-ranked opponents by controlling the shuttle better. Despite their recent rise from 40th to 32nd after a strong performance at the Hong Kong Open, they acknowledge that they still have much to learn.
The pair will face compatriots Yap Roy King and Valeree Siow in the second round after receiving a first-round bye. They anticipate a challenging match but are eager to demonstrate their growing chemistry on court.
In other news, Tan Kian Meng and Lai Pei Jing also advanced to the second round, defeating India’s Sumeeth Reddy and Sikki Reddy 21-10, 21-16. They will next compete against Denmark’s Jesper Toft and Amalie Magelund.
Ties van der Lecq and Brian Wassink claimed the men’s doubles title at the 2024 Belgian International in Leuven. The Dutch duo (WR-92) triumphed in a thrilling final, defeating the French pair Julien Maio and William Villeger (WR-143) with scores of 21-17 and 22-20.
This victory marks the first international title for Van der Lecq and Wassink.