Face to Face with Stars | Tan Qiang: Starting Over is Also an Experience

Jayce September 6, 2024 6 0

From this year onwards, Tan Qiang’s partner has changed back to his original partner from the World Junior Championships years ago, Ren Xiangyu. Over the past half year, they have experienced both surprises and disappointments. Now, they are honing their skills in various lower-tier tournaments. Tan Qiang admits that there can be a sense of disparity, but he remains patient and determined to take it step by step.

Strict Discipline from a Young Age

Who introduced you to badminton? If you could choose again, would you still pursue badminton? Any particularly memorable experiences from your early training days? (Yibubu)

Because my father was a badminton coach, I was influenced by him from a young age. Throughout my journey, I’ve found a deep love for this sport, so I would still choose badminton.

My father was my first coach, and he was very strict. If I didn’t perform well, I would get scolded or even punished, so I was very afraid of him. I remember when I first learned to double skip rope, he would use a stick to sweep under me to make me jump higher and stay in the air longer. Nowadays, we often discuss tactics, but he doesn’t watch my matches as much. Before the pandemic, he never missed any of my domestic international matches, and everyone could hear his booming cheers from the stands. I didn’t need to look back; I could tell where he was just by his voice.

Memories with the Bayi Team

Tan Qiang, you used to be in the Bayi team. Do you have any fond memories of that time?

Wearing the military uniform was not only an honor but also a childhood dream.

Can you describe the most memorable match you’ve played?

It should be last year’s World Championship final. Not every athlete gets to play in a major tournament final. Thinking about that match still excites me, but it’s also a regret that we didn’t win the title.

You seem to be getting more muscular. Are you the type who easily gains muscle? Are you the strongest in strength training among the men’s doubles group?

I’ve always had a body type that gains weight easily, so building muscle isn’t difficult for me. I’ve always enjoyed strength training, probably because I feel I have an advantage there. In the men’s doubles group, I often train with Haodong and Feizai (Liang Weikeng) because we’re all strong in that area. I used to be the strongest in many strength exercises, but now it depends on the specific exercise. For bench press, I’m still ahead, able to lift up to 110 kg, but for lower body exercises, Feizai and Haodong might be stronger. Running isn’t my strong suit, though.

Gaining Experience from Lower-tier Tournaments

You recently won your first Open tournament. What does this victory mean to you? From being a World Championship runner-up last year to competing in lower-tier tournaments this year, do you feel any sense of disparity?

It’s really just a basic expectation for myself since Vietnam is only a 100-level tournament. There is a bit of disparity, especially with tournaments in places like Vietnam and now Malang in Indonesia, which are new to me. I’ve never participated in a Challenge tournament before. This journey is a way to remind myself that starting over with Xiaofu (Ren Xiangyu) is enriching our experience and understanding ourselves from a lower position. Having played many high-level tournaments before, now facing new opponents brings different experiences and inspirations. Competing in new venues also teaches us different things, like the windy conditions in the Malang arena.

Managing Emotions and Team Dynamics

Do you usually get anxious when trailing in a match? How do you handle losses?

I tend to get a bit anxious when opponents score consecutively. Xiaofu helps by slowing down the pace and reminding me to take it slow, affecting my rhythm and mindset positively.

After a loss, I’m not very optimistic, especially after losing several close three-game matches in Southeast Asia recently. Seeing the chance to win slip away feels frustrating, making me eager to play the next match. However, I don’t let the negative emotions linger for too long and usually focus on training soon after, eager to test myself again. Losing is just a temporary setback, and I look forward to the next opportunity to compete.

What’s the difference between partnering with He Jiting and partnering with Xiaofu?

Their playing styles are quite different. He Jiting’s attacking is more prominent, with fewer rallies. Partnering with Xiaofu involves more coordination and strategic play, requiring more rallies, which is a new challenge for me, and I have to adapt gradually.

How would you describe Coach Chen?

Coach Chen is very meticulous and passionate about badminton. He loves to research tactics and has taught us many new strategies.

Adapting to a Talkative Partner

People say Xiaofu talks a lot. As his partner, do you sometimes find it too much? Do you let him talk more to balance things out? How do you handle disagreements?

It’s well known that Xiaofu is talkative. He talks the most wherever he is, especially when discussing something he knows well or is thinking about. We rarely have disagreements, but if we do, he tends to be more stubborn. I usually let him have his way. I listen first, and once he’s expressed himself, it’s easier to discuss things. You can’t stifle a talkative person’s need to express themselves.

After partnering with Xiaofu for over half a year, how would you evaluate your current position?

With six months left before the Paris Olympic qualification starts, we aim to improve our strength and ranking significantly. Our performance hasn’t met our expectations yet, but we must progress step by step. Watching our teammates advance makes us anxious, but we need to channel that anxiety into productive improvement, working steadily to make progress.

Improving Personal and Team Skills

What areas do you need to improve on recently?

Xiaofu and I are still in the adjustment phase, and we need to play more matches to identify coordination issues. For me personally, the backcourt is my strength, so I need to improve my skills in the front and mid-court areas.

Getting Personal

Who are your close friends in the team?

I get along well with Haodong, Feizai, Xiaofu, Yage , and Liu Yuchen.

Do you think you resemble Xiong Er?

I looked up Xiong Er, and no, I don’t think I resemble him at all.

Do you like swimming?

Not really, because I’m not very good at it! I can swim, but I can’t breathe properly while swimming, so I prefer shallow pools where I can touch the bottom.

Who did you inherit your big eyes from?

I think they’re normal, but thanks to my parents.

What’s your favorite food?

I’m not picky and eat a lot, having a body type that easily gains weight since childhood.

Recommend a local delicacy from your hometown.

Nanjing soup dumplings, salted duck, and duck blood vermicelli soup.