Cover Feature! Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan: Unwavering Partnership, Eyes on Paris

Jayce September 6, 2024 5 0

2023 marks the ninth year that Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan have been battling together on the badminton court. Since joining forces at the India Gold Grand Prix in early 2014, they’ve experienced countless thrilling moments and navigated through uncertainty and low points. Their steadfast goals have been the driving force behind their shared journey, exploring uncharted territories in their careers marked by both victories and defeats.

Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan

“You are here, so I am here,” “If you go, I will follow.” Perhaps it is this complementary and synchronized partnership that binds them together in an inexplicable quantum entanglement, continuously guiding each other. With the Paris Olympic cycle approaching, they are once again ready to face the challenges head-on. For partners who have been together for nine years, they have a definitive answer.

Trusting Each Other and Themselves

Looking back, Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan’s partnership has been a harmonious journey from the start. At the 2014 India Gold Grand Prix, the young duo began their “Fanchen” journey. From a naive beginning to recognizing each other as the perfect partners, they opened their hearts and expanded their boundaries. Some say this is the epitome of women’s doubles: persistent effort and resilience eventually carve out their territory. For “Fanchen,” this wisdom on the court was honed through numerous adversities.

In 2019, during an interview, they mentioned their inexperience during their first Olympic qualifying event, emphasizing the importance of taking each match seriously. Now, three years later, with the Paris Olympics on the horizon, they remain resolute, blending their fierce desire for victory with an unbreakable bond. No longer the inexperienced Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan, they approach their second Olympic cycle with a new mindset, focusing on the present and their dialogue with each other.

After Tokyo, Jia Yifan didn’t expect they could reach new heights. In 2022, they claimed seven championships, notably sweeping titles at the Asian Championships, World Championships, and Finals. “We’ve matured compared to before, especially in controlling our emotions. Previously, I only knew how to adjust after a loss; now I understand better when to release and when to hold back.” With a stronger mindset, Jia Yifan listens to her own feelings, seeing this as the truest feedback.

Chen Qingchen appreciates her current state. Two years ago, she experimented with a new hairstyle, a small change reflecting a psychological breakthrough. As the top women’s doubles pair for the national team, her stubbornness made her take wins and losses very seriously. “I’ve reflected on why I wasn’t as happy as I expected after winning and why I struggled to accept losses. Maybe being too fixated on things made me a bit negative. Now I focus on doing my best in the present, cherishing every story along the way.”

The Wisdom of Doubles

For doubles pairs, on-court friction is inevitable. Everyone has bad days, and during such times, someone needs to lighten the mood. Coaches encourage them to communicate deeply. Jia Yifan believes their pairing was destined. “Chen Qingchen is willing to confide in me, and I trust her. After all, we’ve been partners for nine years. She often says, ‘Who else can I talk to but you?’ I reply, ‘I know, and others might not understand.’ So, as long as she’s willing to talk, I’m willing to listen.”

After nine years together, no one understands them better than each other. This is their “wisdom of doubles.” Jia Yifan describes their relationship: “We’re like a married couple, and sometimes someone has to make a compromise. Chen Qingchen can be very high or hit rock bottom, but we always pull each other up and settle down.”

Chen Qingchen adds, “From the initial excitement to facing injuries and low points, some might consider changing partners, but I’ve never thought about it. Even if the coach says it won’t work out, I remain committed. We complement each other perfectly. Her strengths are my weaknesses and vice versa.” This deep understanding means that even in tough times, they’ve never considered splitting up.

As a child, Jia Yifan was notorious for her boldness, while Chen Qingchen was very timid. Jia Yifan’s questions gradually helped Chen Qingchen overcome her fears, illustrating how partners can influence each other.

No Tears on the Podium

In Jia Yifan’s memory, she didn’t intend to cry after the final match of the Tokyo Olympics. But standing on the podium with her partner and coach brought tears to her eyes. “At that moment, I felt relieved it was over. Winning the championship would have been best, but I did my best. Second place is still an achievement, and I smiled brightly.”

After changing into their award uniforms, Coach Jiang hugged them, saying, “It’s okay, it’s okay.” Jia Yifan noticed that this usually stoic coach shed tears before them. On the podium, Chen Qingchen whispered, “I’m sorry, Yifan, I didn’t play well today,” breaking Jia Yifan’s emotional barrier. That night, they talked through the night, expressing their desire to continue playing together.

Giving Each Other Another Chance

For Chen Qingchen, continuing to play means facing wins and losses, joys and sorrows, unless one ends their career. After reflecting, she found she wasn’t enjoying victories and magnified the sadness of losses. They are still eager to shoulder their responsibilities.

Chen Qingchen told Jia Yifan, “I often feel like giving up, but as long as you want to fight, I’ll fight with you.” Jia Yifan shared the same sentiment. Despite the challenges, Jia Yifan views their partnership as her pillar. She said, “Real difficulty is knowing how to solve a problem and persisting through the mental struggle. Valuable experiences come from failures.”

Looking Towards Paris

This year, they aim to perform their best without setting specific goals for the number of championships. With each match, they gain confidence. In the first group match of the 2022 Finals against Zhang Shuxian/Zheng Yu, they adjusted their strategy mid-game to secure the victory. Looking towards Paris, they have a better understanding of handling challenges and fine-tuning their tactics.

Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan’s journey continues with mutual support and a commitment to excellence. They believe that warmth and luck will favor this perfectly synchronized duo.