Category: Star Power News

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  • Aya Ohori to Retire by Year-End, Last Match Next Week

    Aya Ohori to Retire by Year-End, Last Match Next Week

    Today, badminton star Aya Ohori announced her retirement at the end of this year via her personal Instagram. The upcoming Kumamoto Masters, starting on November 12, will be her last international tournament in Japan.

    Aya Ohori’s Statement:

    “Hello everyone, I have an important announcement. I have decided to retire at the end of this year.

    My badminton career hasn’t always been smooth, but thanks to the support of so many wonderful friends, I have overcome numerous challenges.

    I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Tonami Transportation Badminton Club for their help over the years. My sincere gratitude goes to the Nippon Badminton Association, all my sponsors, my family, friends, and all supporters. Without you, I wouldn’t have achieved what I have today.

    Badminton has taught me a lot, and I’ve experienced many wonderful things through it. I truly love playing badminton, so deciding to retire was not easy. However, I can say that, with everyone’s support, my 22-year career has been filled with joy.

    Next week’s Kumamoto Masters will be my last international match in Japan. I’d be thrilled if you continue to cheer for me. Thank you so much for your warm support over the years.”

    Previous Reports:

    For the past two years, rumors have circulated about Aya Ohori and Malaysian men’s doubles player Ong Yew Sin being in a relationship.

    Both players recently participated in the 2024 Indonesia Badminton All-Star Invitational. Fans spotted two intriguing moments: first, as Ong Yew Sin interacted with a medal-winning player, a female player beside him pointed at Aya Ohori and whispered something to Ong Yew Sin, leading Aya Ohori to playfully touch Ong Yew Sin’s head. In another instance, Cheuk Yiu Lee, sitting beside Aya Ohori in the cheer section, smiled while pointing at Ong Yew Sin in the aisle and then at Aya Ohori, hinting at a relationship.

    There have been previous reports from insiders in the badminton community suggesting that Aya Ohori and Ong Yew Sin have been quietly dating for years. This event at the Indonesia All-Star added fuel to fan speculation.

    Standing at 169 cm, Aya Ohori first traveled to Malaysia in 2015 to participate in the Purple League. In an interview, she mentioned how warm and friendly Malaysians were, even telling her parents that she hoped to settle in Malaysia after retirement and marry a Malaysian.

    It seems possible that Aya Ohori and Ong Yew Sin have known each other for a long time.

    Later, Ong Yew Sin shared a photo on his Instagram featuring himself with Aya Ohori and Arisa Higashino. Fans noted that Ong Yew Sin and Aya Ohori‘s hands were unusually close.

    Today, a Malaysian social media account further fueled rumors by posting a photo of Ong Yew Sin and Aya Ohori allegedly wearing matching outfits while shopping, captioned: “An open secret, best wishes to you both.”

    In 2020, Ong Yew Sin and his partner Teo Ee Yi were dismissed from the Malaysian national team by the Badminton Association of Malaysia. However, their performance continued to improve, with a bronze at the 2021 World Championships. Despite this, they have not won a title since their victory at the 2020 Thailand Masters, with their best results this year being semifinal finishes at the German and China Opens.

    Aya Ohori, a late bloomer, became Japan’s second women’s singles player after Nozomi Okuhara struggled with injuries. Last year, she won a bronze medal in women’s singles at the Asian Games, and this year, she claimed gold at the Thailand Masters and Australia Open, as well as reaching the semi-finals at the Super 1000 China Open.

  • Kim Won Ho to Enlist, Will Miss Upcoming Badminton Tournaments

    Kim Won Ho to Enlist, Will Miss Upcoming Badminton Tournaments

    South Korean badminton mixed doubles star Kim Won Ho shared in an interview that he will soon enlist, which means he must withdraw from the upcoming Japan and China Masters tournaments, as well as the BWF World Tour Finals.

    Kim Won Ho stated, “I will begin a three-week short-term military training next week, so I had to withdraw from the Japan and China Masters tournaments. This week’s men’s doubles match will likely be my last match this year. Although I could still compete in the year-end finals after training, my shoulder and other injuries make it difficult, so I’ll likely skip the December finals. Regarding next year’s season, it’s still uncertain whether I’ll compete in multiple events or focus on a single one. I’ll decide later on.”

    The South Korean pair Kim Won Ho / Jeong Na Eun surprised fans by reaching the finals in mixed doubles at this year’s Paris Olympics, ultimately winning the silver medal. Kim Won Ho has also competed in men’s doubles internationally.

    In South Korea, military service is mandatory, requiring male citizens aged 18 to 35 to serve. The service period varies by military branch, though it generally lasts 18 to 23 months.

    Under South Korea’s Military Service Act, individuals with exceptional talent in arts and sports who achieve top rankings in international competitions may qualify for “military service exemptions,” serving in a special capacity instead. This includes those who win top two positions in international arts competitions, first place in national arts competitions (restricted to fields unique to Korea), or who are recognized as national intangible cultural heritage educators with five years of experience. Athletes who achieve top three positions in the Olympics or first place in the Asian Games may also qualify.

    Although Kim Won Ho earned Olympic bronze in mixed doubles, exempting him from full military service, he still has to complete a short-term military training period.

  • The Majestic Ascent of Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin

    The Majestic Ascent of Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin

    Fans naturally see Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin as a single unit. On one hand, they burst onto the scene with dazzling talent, while on the other, their lightning speed on the court has captivated everyone’s attention.

    Standing at 1.84 meters and 1.74 meters respectively, Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin possess a unique charm, characterized by their quirky, contrasting personalities typical of Gen Z. This has even earned them a playful nickname, the “Pickled Duck Duo.”

    Perhaps it’s fate, but Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin embody a harmonious yet contradictory blend of qualities. Both from southern China, Jiang hails from Guilin in Guangxi, while Wei is a proud Hunan native. On the court, the slender Jiang is swift in the mid-to-back court, his aggressive attacks intimidating opponents, while Wei, with her fierce net play, is a thorn in every rival’s side. Despite their contrasting personalities, Jiang, though seemingly serious, is known as an extrovert, while Wei, outspoken as she may be, is more introverted. This dynamic is evident in Jiang’s clever, playful gaze and Wei’s earnest, focused demeanor.

    In just seven months, from their debut as a new national team pair in October 2022 to May 2023, Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin clinched five individual titles, one team title, and three runner-up finishes across 12 tournaments, swiftly reaching the top ten in world rankings. Their meteoric rise has reinvigorated the mixed doubles category and boosted their confidence as they continue to climb higher.

    Following this breakthrough, Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin entered the Paris Olympic points race. The intensity and frequent tournaments brought challenges, leading to some performance fluctuations. During the 22-tournament points race, they secured one title, four runner-up finishes, and stood on the World Championships podium for the first time with a bronze medal. They encountered challenges familiar to any rookie pair, yet they have gradually developed the resilience to tackle obstacles head-on. Now, they focus more on refining each step of their journey rather than fixating solely on results. Having endured the points race, their world ranking climbed into the top five. Although they missed the Paris Olympics due to Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong and Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping ranking above them, they remained undaunted. Instead, they entered the season’s second half with renewed vigor, reaching six finals out of nine tournaments and claiming four titles and two runner-up finishes.

    From a results perspective, Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin have achieved impressive milestones. In just two years, they ascended from a fresh pairing to a world-ranking in the top three. In that time, they’ve claimed titles at every level of the World Tour: 100, 300, 500, 750, and even 1000. However, with even greater aspirations, they have taken a steady, gradual approach to build strength. As Jiang states, “Our first goal in this new cycle is to achieve a world championship.”

    Like any doubles partners, Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin have experienced both the initial sweetness of pairing and the friction that can arise when facing challenges. Wei Yaxin reflects on their relationship: “At first, we were too self-centered and didn’t understand each other, but now we’re more mature and willing to listen.”

    Their distinctly different backgrounds and personalities have only strengthened their resolve, allowing them to draw energy from their shared ambition despite their occasional clashes.

    On Becoming Elite Athletes

    This story about Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin has been in the making for some time, eagerly anticipated by both the athletes and our editorial team. During the 2023 China Open, we sat around discussing their experiences in their first year of partnership. Back then, the two Gen Z stars were excitedly exploring the possibilities of their new ranking. Wei Yaxin gave us a glimpse of Jiang’s lighter side, hidden beneath his calm exterior—a playful guy who carries a golden abacus and a small toy turtle, Ollomilla, which hadn’t yet become internet-famous.

    A year later, they finally made it onto a magazine cover, photographed together in Changzhou. Both casually dressed in light-colored T-shirts and jeans, they stood among the lush greenery, with warm sunlight dappling their youthful faces. Wei Yaxin, a natural in front of the camera, radiates an effortless ease, while Jiang Zhenbang, ever the extrovert, reveals a subtle contrast in his expression.

    Now, they’ve been on this journey together for two years. From new faces on the tour to seasoned travelers, Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin have found a sense of familiarity and trust amid the challenges of constant travel and competition. For them, every match, every experience has been a learning opportunity. What once seemed overwhelming has taught them to value what they’ve achieved and savor each moment.

    One year after our first interview, and following the Denmark Open, we exchanged thoughts again, reflecting on their personal growth. As they finished the European tour in late October, they prepared to return to China for a brief separation, each training with their provincial teams in preparation for the 2024 National Badminton Team Championships in Fuzhou. Driven by their goals, Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin embark on yet another journey. In their own words, “We must remain analytical, communicate well, and support each other, always aiming to meet the highest standards as elite athletes.”

    From Parallel Paths to Partners

    In their youth, Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin were like two parallel lines, with hardly any intersection.

    Jiang Zhenbang was born on May 28, 2001, in Guilin and was selected at 11 to train at the Shanghai Sports School. In 2018, he joined the Chinese national second team, and in 2021, he joined the first team, specializing in mixed doubles. Wei Yaxin, born on April 18, 2000, in Changsha, made her way into the national second team through her performance in women’s singles. Their paths first crossed at the 2020 National Championships in Baoji.

    With their growing camaraderie and innate synergy, they quickly became a formidable duo. Jiang Zhenbang remarked, “We’re perfectly matched in terms of speed and share an aggressive playing style.”

    Crisis as Opportunity

    In early 2023, Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin helped China clinch the Asian Mixed Team Championships, drawing widespread attention to this young pair. Their momentum grew as they won the Ruichang Masters, Swiss Open, and Asian Championships. But soon, they faced the inevitable challenges of competitive sports.

    Overcoming these setbacks required resilience and self-confidence. Despite the ups and downs, they never lost sight of their goal to improve and evolve as a team. They understood that every experience, positive or negative, contributed to their growth, both individually and as a pair.

    At the Paris La Chapelle Sports Hall, they lost in three sets to their teammates, Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping. Then, just a week later, they stepped onto the All England stage for the first time, still unfamiliar with the atmosphere of the Birmingham arena. They were knocked out in the first round by the Indonesian duo. After returning to Lingshui for nearly a month of training, the coaching staff insisted they train separately, using a “retreat for progress” approach, which forced Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin to confront the issues.

    Time has a way of teaching valuable lessons. During the cooling-off period, they took the time to reflect on their performance over the past two years. After the devastating loss at the All England, they decided to proactively find a communication method that suited both of them. They agreed that after a loss, regardless of how they felt, they would open up; during matches, even when things were tough, they would always support each other. They explained this change with a similar reason: “Before, we only considered ourselves and worried that speaking too much might become a burden. Now, we know we need to think

    With this deeper understanding, both players began to encourage each other with a more inclusive mindset on the court. They advanced to the semifinals at the Asian Championships. Although they didn’t make it to the final, both Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin could feel the magic of mixed doubles theory, “1+1 > 2.” “At that time, we could feel some progress; we didn’t focus too m

    They realized that they could perform well together. In the subsequent Indonesia Open, despite a tough draw, they managed to defeat Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping and Chen Jianming/Lai Peijun. In the final, they won 21-11, 21-14 against Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong. Jiang Zhenbang recalls the final, saying, “When we won, we were both a little dazed.” Wei Yaxin jokingly added, “The draw was like a

    Standing Strong Behind a Big Tree

    From their last championship to this one, seven months passed. Although it was a long wait, the day finally arrived. However, after returning with the Australian Open championship, injuries unexpectedly brought new challenges to this new

    After returning from the tournament, Wei Yaxin, who was training in Chengdu with the team, fell seriously ill due to a weakened immune system. Just as she was recovering, she experienced unbearable wrist pain and went to the hospital for an X-ray. The result showed bone marrow edema in her left wrist, for

    Reflecting on her injuries, Wei Yaxin helplessly shared that when she was training for singles, she had experienced patellar fractures, ankle fractures, lumbar disc herniation, and a spinal curvature. During the period when she couldn’t play, she trained with the fitness coach to build strength. To become stronger, she also joined the health army, receiving various wellness tips from senior players Jia Yifan and Zheng Yu. She even started cutting out carbonated drinks and snac

    When she finally returned to training with the team, Wei Yaxin’s eagerness led her to overdo it. Jiang Zhenbang advised her not to rush and to take things step by step. As long as the overall direction was right, there would be no problem. However, Wei Yaxin’s stubbornness caused he

    One day, during a break in training, Wei Yaxin, frustrated with her lack of progress, hid in a corner and cried. Zheng Siwei noticed and approached to patiently talk with her. He explained that since both of them quickly get into the zone on the court, to perform better with their partners, they need to free themse

    At first, Wei Yaxin wasn’t entirely sure about this theory, but over time, she started to realize it made sense. To truly break free from old habits, it would take constant effort. From then on, whenever she became overly focused during training and started frowning, both Siwei and Yaqiong would catch it immediately and remind her, “Come on, smile,” and “Don’t have a stern face.”

    Wei Yaxin said, “During the preparation for the Paris Olympics, they each had their own pressures, but they still paid attention to my emotions and tried to share their experiences with me. This was one of the joys of being in a mixed doubles partnership!”

    For Jiang Zhenbang, he is an athlete who knows how to save energy and avoid internal friction. His top-tier physical abilities allowed him to win first place in the men’s Y-shaped run, 3000m, and all-around events during the national team’s physical competition. Even during the winter training for Paris, he was able to endure Coach Yang Ming’s “devil training” for male players. Of course, everyone’s condition fluctuates, and Jiang Zhenbang also faced periods of poor form. He admits that during those times, he simply had to “endure” to get through it. However, whenever he showed a strong desire to win in training, the coaches praised him generously.

    Of course, Jiang Zhenbang occasionally slacks off when it comes to post-training relaxation stretches, and the team doctor always reminds him to take care. One day, during a relaxation session, the doctor said, “Your thigh muscles are very tight. Remember to relax after training.” Jiang Zhenbang replied nonchalantly, “I’m always relaxed.” His teammates burst into laughter, while he shared a silent stare with the doctor.

    Though Jiang Zhenbang often appears calm and composed, he is no stranger to internal struggles that he doesn’t express outwardly. Therefore, when communication with Wei Yaxin was difficult, they had to bring in the coach to help them work through things. Over the course of their journey, the coaches often repeated one important phrase: “The real enemy is yourselves.” Through trial and error, they began to understand this meaning.

    Just as they once wore the national jersey and felt a sense of pride and determination, to truly match the national team and their position in mixed doubles, they needed to turn their daily persistence and research into more detailed requirements, blending these into what became natural for both of them. Being part of mixed doubles was their confidence foundation, like leaning against a strong tree while also embracing challenges and changes with an open mind.

    With the new cycle and adjustments to the Chinese team’s roster, Jiang Zhenbang/Wei Yaxin now rank just behind “YAS” and “Fenghuang” in the world rankings. Looking ahead to the 2025 Sudirman Cup and World Championships, they are likely to compete as main players. They know that, both in terms of strength and experience, they still need to undergo more rigorous training, but they are eager for victory. With full determination for the upcoming major tournaments, they approach the future with calm and composure, moving forward toward their goals with unhurried confidence.

  • An Se-young Criticizes Association, Reforms Announced

    An Se-young Criticizes Association, Reforms Announced

    According to Yonhap News, on October 31, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of South Korea announced the investigation results on the Korean Badminton Association at a government building in Seoul. The Ministry called for an investigation into alleged embezzlement, trust violations, and other misconduct by the association’s chairman, recommending dismissal and disciplinary action.

    During the announcement, Lee Jeong-woo, Director of the Sports Bureau of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, explained that after An Se-young publicly criticized the Korean Badminton Association following her victory at the Paris Olympics, the Ministry formed an investigation team on August 10. They examined five areas, including sponsorship, the improvement of unreasonable policies, subsidy project execution, association management, and workplace bullying within the association.

    During the investigation, the Ministry interviewed 36 of the 51 national team athletes, including head coach Kim Hak-gyun and An Se-young. The remaining 15 players could not participate due to overseas tournaments, national competitions, or personal reasons. The investigation found that the other players had similar concerns as An Se-young. The Ministry also collected feedback from marketing experts, representatives from the Korea Corporate Badminton Federation, corporate teams, and former national team players to address sponsorship and policy improvements.

    **Image: Korean Badminton Association President Kim Taek-kyu

    The investigation team also conducted face-to-face interviews with individuals associated with the Korean Badminton Association, excluding President Kim Taek-kyu, who refused to cooperate. On September 26, he explicitly declined to participate in the investigation on-site, and despite multiple requests and an extension of the investigation period to October 31, they were unable to conduct an in-person investigation.

    Image: Lee Jeong-woo, Director of the Sports Bureau, Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism

    Key reform measures announced by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism include:

    1. Improvement of Injury Management System: Athletes will now have the freedom to choose their medical providers for diagnosis and rehabilitation. Previously, this process lacked clear regulations and was decided ad hoc.
    2. Expansion of Medical Staff and Facilities at Jincheon National Training Center: With current shortages, athletes often experience delays in treatment during peak periods. Starting next year, athletes will undergo health screenings upon joining the national team, and health conditions will be managed accordingly.
    3. Relaxation of Restrictions on Athlete Movements During Holidays and Weekends: Previously, national badminton team athletes faced strict restrictions on leaving the training center, even on days without training. This restriction, deemed a human rights violation, will now be lifted, except in cases like upcoming international competitions or infectious disease outbreaks.Additionally, unreasonable practices like mandatory cleaning, laundry, and reporting upon leaving will be abolished. These practices were eliminated for the women’s team after An Se-young’s suggestion in April, but remained for the men’s team. The Korean Sports Council revised the national team training camp’s operating guidelines in late September to prohibit personal orders. Starting next year, all national team athletes will be monitored every six months.
    4. Abolition of Early Morning and Mountain Training: Introduced in April 2023, these training sessions posed injury risks for athletes, who were more concerned with potential harm than training benefits. Future training schedules will align with the most suitable training times for each sport.
    5. Enhancement of Specialized Training for Singles and Doubles Players: The current coaching staff is insufficient, and the youngest athletes have to train alone. Training methods have also not evolved over the years.
    6. Involvement of Athletes’ Personal Trainers: Based on the model of the Korean Football Association, which established a system allowing private trainers for national team athletes after the 2023 Qatar Asian Cup, this approach will be extended to badminton.
    7. Rest Periods for National Team Players After International Competitions: To ease issues with jet lag, physical fatigue, and mental stress, national players will be allowed rest time upon returning from international events, instead of immediately rejoining training.
    8. Strategic Participation in International Competitions: To extend the careers of top players and provide exposure for second-tier players, the Ministry will adopt strategic participation guidelines, allowing top players rest periods and second-tier players more competition opportunities, thus enhancing overall team competitiveness and facilitating a natural player transition process.
  • Aya Ohori Dating Malaysian Player Ong Yew Sin?

    Aya Ohori Dating Malaysian Player Ong Yew Sin?

    For the past two years, the badminton world has been buzzing with rumors about a romantic relationship between badminton star Aya Ohori and Malaysian men’s doubles player Ong Yew Sin.

    Both players recently participated in the 2024 Indonesia Badminton All-Star Invitational, where two specific interactions caught fans’ attention. In one instance, while Ong Yew Sin was interacting with the medalists, a nearby female player pointed at Aya Ohori and seemed to say something to Ong Yew Sin, who responded with a laugh as Aya Ohori playfully patted his head. In another moment, Cheuk Yiu Lee, who was seated next to Aya Ohori in the cheering section, looked toward the aisle where Ong Yew Sin was standing, pointed at Aya Ohori, and smiled knowingly.

    Previously, insiders in the badminton community hinted that Aya Ohori and Ong Yew Sin have been in a long-term secret relationship, with this recent interaction sparking more speculation among fans.

    Aya Ohori, who stands at 169 cm, first came to Malaysia in 2015 for the Purple League. During an interview, she mentioned how friendly Malaysians are, adding that she’d told her parents she’d like to settle in Malaysia and hopes to marry a Malaysian after her retirement.

    It seems possible that Aya Ohori and Ong Yew Sin have known each other for quite some time.

    Later, Ong Yew Sin even posted a photo on his Instagram with Aya Ohori and Arisa Higashino. Eagle-eyed fans noted that Aya Ohori and Ong Yew Sin were standing very close to each other, with their hands almost touching.

    Today, a Malaysian social media outlet even fueled the rumors by posting a picture of Ong Yew Sin and Aya Ohori allegedly wearing matching outfits while shopping, captioned with: “An open secret, best wishes to you both.”

    In 2020, Ong Yew Sin and his partner Teo Ee Yi were dropped from Malaysia’s national team by the Badminton Association of Malaysia. However, they achieved success soon after, winning bronze at the 2021 World Championships. But since their title win at the 2020 Thailand Masters, they’ve had a four-year title drought, with their best results this year being semifinal finishes at the German Open and China Open.

    Meanwhile, Aya Ohori has been blossoming in her career. With Nozomi Okuhara facing setbacks due to injury, Aya Ohori has taken on the role of Japan’s second women’s singles player. Last year, she won bronze in women’s singles at the Asian Games and has since claimed gold at the Thailand Masters and Australian Open this year, along with a semifinal appearance at the Super 1000 China Open.

    Best wishes to this potential “Condor Heroes” couple of the badminton world.

  • Farewell, Kento Momota! Official Retirement in February

    Farewell, Kento Momota! Official Retirement in February

    Once hailed as a badminton prodigy, Kento Momota faced challenges from ill-fated friendships and a tragic car accident. He plans to officially retire in February, following the conclusion of Japan’s S/J League. After his retirement, he is set to become a coach for the NTT East Japan badminton team.

    The Thomas Cup in May marked Momota‘s farewell to international tournaments. He is now fully focused on domestic competitions in Japan, with the S/J League, which started on November 2, running until February next year. This league will mark the end of Momota‘s professional career.

    Momota‘s father, Nobuhiro Momota, wanted his son to become “the strongest person in the world,” naming him after Clark Kent, Superman’s alter ego in American DC comics. In Japanese, “Kent” is pronounced as “Kento,” symbolizing his father’s aspirations. Momota has indeed led Japan to the peak of international badminton.

    However, Kento Momota‘s career has been full of ups and downs. He achieved tremendous success, becoming the first Japanese men’s singles player to win the World Championships and reach world number one in 2018. His peak year was 2019, where he competed in 73 matches, winning 67 with only 6 losses—a remarkable win rate of 91.8%. That year, he claimed 11 titles, setting a Guinness World Record. His achievements included two Super 1000 tournaments: the All England Open and the China Open, as well as the BWF World Tour Finals. He also made history as the first Japanese men’s singles champion in the 121-year history of the All England Open.

  • Taufik Aims to Win More Olympic Gold for Indonesia

    Taufik Aims to Win More Olympic Gold for Indonesia

    Indonesian badminton legend Taufik (43) says his top priority is to focus on improving and elevating Indonesia’s sports standards, especially in nurturing young talent.

    Last month, Indonesian President Prabowo appointed Taufik as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, with his term running from 2024 to 2029. This appointment has drawn significant attention across Indonesia, with many citizens optimistic that, as a former world-class athlete, Taufik can take on this responsibility and make a positive impact.

    In Indonesia’s sports community, Taufik is known as a bold and outspoken figure who frequently voices dissatisfaction with issues in the badminton scene and Indonesia’s sports industry as a whole.

    During his playing career, Taufik achieved remarkable success, securing gold medals in all major multi-sport events, including the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics. He was previously crowned World Champion, held the World No. 1 ranking, and represented Indonesia in winning the Thomas Cup.

    Taufik retired from badminton in 2013 and served as a special Ministry of Youth and Sports staff member from 2017 to 2018.

  • Young Talent Shines at BWF World Juniors

    Young Talent Shines at BWF World Juniors

    The BWF World Junior Championships has long been a stage for emerging badminton stars. The 24th edition, held in Nanchang from October 7-13, 2024, showcased some of the best young talent worldwide. Here are some players who made their mark, with much potential for future success:

    Hu Zhe An (China)
    Runner-up last year, Hu Zhe An trained with the senior team and now claims the title of men’s singles champion. With seven finals in two seasons and major wins, including the Asia Junior Championships and a Super 100 title, Hu fulfilled his goal of winning gold at this year’s World Juniors.

    Moh. Zaki Ubaidillah (Indonesia)
    Known for his smooth style and precise anticipation, Moh. Zaki Ubaidillah impressed at the World Juniors. He reached the semifinals and earlier this season won a Super 100 title in Indonesia.

    Lin Xiang Yi (China)
    Explosive and dynamic, Lin Xiang Yi captured the mixed doubles title with Liu Yuan Yuan. This follows his success at the Asian Juniors, where he won a double, and at the Dutch Junior in March.

    Kang Khai Xing/Aaron Tai (Malaysia)
    The Malaysian men’s doubles duo of Kang Khai Xing and Aaron Tai impressed with their complementary styles. Winning two of their three finals this year, including the TOYOTA International Challenge, they continue to be a formidable pair.

    Low Zi Yu (Malaysia)
    At just 14, Low Zi Yu came close to becoming the youngest World Juniors winner. Her debut, playing alongside Danis Sofea, showcased her fearless attacking skills against seasoned opponents.

    Elsa Jacob (France)
    Elsa Jacob displayed impressive versatility, competing in both women’s and mixed doubles. With a successful season, including a double at the Alpes Junior International Challenge, Jacob continues to rise.

    Aya Tamaki/Ririna Hiramoto (Japan)
    Returning champion Aya Tamaki, now paired with Ririna Hiramoto, defended her title with a powerful style reminiscent of Arisa Higashino. The pair demonstrated consistency, marking their progress since their partnership began last year.

  • Congratulations! Anthony Sinisuka Ginting Ties the Knot Today

    Congratulations! Anthony Sinisuka Ginting Ties the Knot Today

    On October 26, 2024, Indonesian badminton star Anthony Sinisuka Ginting celebrated his wedding with his longtime girlfriend.

    Previous News:
    On June 25, 2023, Anthony Ginting shared his engagement news on social media!

    Anthony Ginting: “She said ‘Yes!’ Thank you for your patience, acceptance, understanding, and support. I’m grateful that you’ve been willing to grow in this relationship as adults with me. Words can’t express how thankful I am that God brought you into my life. Years later, I’m grateful we’re taking this step forward. There’s still a long journey ahead, so let’s cherish every moment together!”

    Anthony and his girlfriend started dating at 17, marking over nine years together.

    His fiancée, Mitzi Abigail, is the same age as Anthony and was once an athlete at Indonesia’s largest badminton club, Jaya Raya, before retiring early. Afterward, Mitzi pursued studies at Bandung’s Tourism Academy and interned at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she began working in tourism and hospitality. She also shares lifestyle content on Instagram.

    Born in October 1996, Anthony Ginting, 26, is ranked 2nd globally. This season, he won the Asian Championships and Singapore Open titles and was the runner-up at the Indonesia Open.

  • Tai Tzu Ying Denies Retirement, Requests Ranking Protection

    Tai Tzu Ying Denies Retirement, Requests Ranking Protection

    In the latest BWF rankings update, Tai Tzu Ying has applied for ranking protection, indicating a break from international tournaments for at least three months, delaying her year-end retirement plans indefinitely.

    Often dubbed the “uncrowned queen” of women’s singles, Tai Tzu Ying held the world’s top ranking for years but has yet to win a major championship gold medal. In 2017, during her peak, she opted to skip the World Championships to compete in the Universiade, securing the women’s singles title with ease. Since then, she has struggled to break through in events like the Olympics and World Championships, taking silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2021 World Championships.

    Injuries have increasingly hindered her career. After withdrawing from several tournaments this season due to a knee issue, including the Japan Open and Chinese Taipei Open, her latest appearance at the China Open ended in a first-round exit.

    Notably, Tai Tzu Ying has consistently hinted at retirement since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. At the start of this year, she announced plans to retire by year’s end but seems reluctant to leave, now opting for ranking protection.

    Taipei reporters are as uncertain as fans. When asked if her year-end retirement plans will change, her coach Lai Jian Cheng refrained from a direct answer, suggesting her main focus is healing. Lai added that only once she is fully recovered will further decisions be made, including the possibility of one final international match.

    At September’s Chinese Taipei Open, Tai Tzu Ying addressed a retirement inquiry with slight frustration, stating, “I’ve said it many times; I’m not lying. I won’t be here next year.” If her plans remain unchanged, her first-round exit at the China Open on September 18 could mark the end of her career.

    According to BWF rules, players in the top 32 can apply for ranking protection due to injury or other reasons, allowing them to skip events without penalty. Upon their return, they may enter higher-tier tournaments but will not be seeded. Protection periods range from three to twelve months.

    After applying for ranking protection, Tai Tzu Ying will skip the upcoming Kumamoto Masters and China Masters. She also lacks the points to qualify for the year-end BWF World Tour Finals, indicating a potential return no sooner than February.

  • An Se Young Treated as “Free Labor”?

    An Se Young Treated as “Free Labor”?

    Controversy has once again struck the Korean Badminton Association after it was revealed that, without prior consent, players including An Se Young were made to participate in sponsored advertisements without payment. This has sparked public outrage, with accusations of treating players as “free labor.”

    After the Paris Olympics, An Se Young disclosed a series of scandals involving the Korean Badminton Association, including unfair training resource allocation and reports of bullying. She only returned to competition last week at the Denmark Open, following a two-month break.

    The association’s troubles are far from over. Korean media reported that last year, the association signed a contract with a sportswear sponsor, committing national team players, including An Se Young, to promotional activities for free—without player consent.

    In one year alone, An Se Young participated in multiple ads, including during last year’s Badminton World Championships and the Asian Games. Additionally, 20 players at last year’s Asian Games and 11 at the recent Paris Olympics appeared in ads, none of whom received payment.

    In an interview with Chosun Net, the Korean Badminton Association argued that players signed an agreement to participate in advertisements when joining the national team. The association claims that sponsor resources, such as travel expenses and training costs, offset the lack of ad fees.

    Acknowledging external criticism, the Korean Badminton Association admitted their policy is not legally mandated but rather an internal guideline. This approach has drawn the attention of parliament, with legislators calling for reform. One lawmaker emphasized, “The association should support its players, not treat them as free labor for financial gain.”

  • Taufik Hidayat Becomes Youth and Sports Deputy Minister

    Taufik Hidayat Becomes Youth and Sports Deputy Minister

    Indonesian badminton legend Taufik Hidayat (43) was appointed by President Prabowo Subianto as the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports on Sunday.

    The announcement was made by Prabowo at the presidential palace in Jakarta on Sunday night.

    Taufik Hidayat is now the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports,” stated Prabowo.

    On October 15, after meeting with Prabowo, Taufik addressed the media. Known for his outspoken stance on sports issues, Taufik has often voiced concerns over badminton and the broader Indonesian sports industry.

    With his strong reputation, Taufik Hidayat is considered highly capable of bringing significant advancements and influence to Indonesian sports.

    As an athlete, Taufik achieved numerous victories, securing gold in major events, including the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, and Olympics. He has also been crowned world champion, held the world number-one ranking, and contributed to Indonesia’s Thomas Cup victory.

    Taufik retired from badminton in 2013 and served as a special advisor to the Ministry of Youth and Sports from 2017 to 2018.

    During the 2024 elections, Taufik Hidayat campaigned as a House of Representatives candidate under the GERINDRA Party.