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Fourteen days of competition, 34 matches, and a result of one gold and two silver medals — these are the statistics for Lin Xiangyi, the captain of the Chinese Junior Badminton Team, at last week’s World Junior Badminton Championships in Nanchang. The 18-year-old Lin Xiangyi competed in both the men’s doubles and mixed doubles events from the team competition through to the individual events.
From September 30 to October 5, during the team competition, Lin Xiangyi played two matches in men’s doubles against Australia on October 1, while on other days he competed in both mixed doubles and men’s doubles. In the individual events held from October 7 to October 13, he played in both events every day. Competing in 34 matches over 14 days required an extraordinary level of endurance.
As captain, Lin Xiangyi always felt a strong sense of responsibility. From the team competition to the individual events, he took his role seriously. After the team competition ended with a silver medal, Lin Xiangyi was brought to tears, feeling he “could have done better.” He quickly gathered himself and focused on the individual events, where he advanced to both the mixed doubles and men’s doubles finals.
On October 13, Lin Xiangyi first partnered with Liu Yuanyuan to help China secure its fourth consecutive World Junior Championship title in mixed doubles. He then paired with Hu Keyuan in the men’s doubles final, ultimately finishing as runners-up. During the deciding game, Lin Xiangyi felt his stamina waning and requested a medical break. Missing out on the men’s doubles title left him disappointed once more, feeling again that he “could have done better.”
Since the beginning of the year, Lin Xiangyi has been competing in dual events. At the Asian Junior Championships in July, he also participated in both categories, winning titles in the team event, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Compared to the Asian Junior Championships, the World Junior Championships posed even more challenges. “The team competition has an 11-point scoring system, so playing multiple events doesn’t strain your stamina too much, but the 21-point system requires more energy, and you have to quickly focus on each match. After two games, I felt really exhausted,” explained Lin Xiangyi. He pointed out that the team events were mentally draining, while the individual events were more physically taxing. Guo Zhendong, the head coach of the Chinese Junior Badminton Team, praised Lin Xiangyi‘s role as a core player, acknowledging the toll that playing dual events took on his energy and stamina.
Representing the nation is ingrained in Lin Xiangyi. After winning the mixed doubles title, standing on the champion’s podium, and singing the national anthem facing the flag, Lin Xiangyi was moved to tears. While passing through the mixed interview zone on his way to the men’s doubles final, he only said four words: “Thank you, Motherland.” After all the events were over, Lin Xiangyi admitted, “Every day was exhausting, but with the trust of the country, the team, and everyone, I gave it my all.”
Concluding his junior career with one gold and two silvers at the World Junior Championships, Lin Xiangyi reflects on both his achievements and regrets. As he looks forward to competing in adult tournaments, he believes he can do even better.
