After the Paris Olympics, Chen Yufei, China’s top women’s singles player, took a break from the court to study and travel in Australia. Now, she has decided her next step and confirmed her return to the sport.
Today, Chen Yufei shared a post bidding farewell to her study experience, saying, “My ten-week study journey has come to an end. I want to thank everyone I’ve met during this time. Thank you for letting me know that even off the court, Chen Yufei is still recognized and appreciated by so many.”
Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “After the Olympics, I didn’t want to return to the court, as I felt that those without ambition shouldn’t stand there. Over two Olympic cycles, I performed my duties and responsibilities with pride. But I forgot to ask myself—standing as Chen Yufei—what am I fighting for?”
Chen Yufei revealed she is ready to restart her journey back on the court: “Through learning, I began to reflect on these questions. Taking a break showed me how to start again. So, I’ll see you on the court soon.”
Notably, the China Badminton Super League is set to start on November 28, where Chen Yufei is expected to appear. Recently, her club, Zhejiang Jingtai Badminton Club, left a spot for her on the team poster, which promoted the upcoming Super League, confirming her return.
However, as registration for all World Badminton Federation tournaments this season has closed, her next international appearance will likely be at the Malaysia Open in early 2025.
Badminton is not only a sport of speed and power; it’s also a world where elegance and beauty thrive! Here, you’ll meet some of the most beautiful badminton players from around the globe. These athletes are admired not just for their remarkable skills but also for their captivating looks, making them true icons on and off the court. Let’s dive into the world of badminton stars who blend talent with charm and inspire millions.
Tai Tzu Ying from Taiwan brings her unique, graceful play style to the court, mesmerizing fans with her agility and finesse. Known as the “Smiling Angel,” her warm smile and playful personality make her even more beloved. She’s a true icon for both her skill and her radiant presence.
India’s P. V. Sindhu is a powerhouse on the court and a style icon off it. With her athletic build and striking features, she brings strength and grace in perfect harmony. Sindhu’s determination and charisma have made her an inspiration across India and beyond.
From China, Chen Yufei is not only skilled but also known for her refined features and poised presence. Her calm, strategic playing style paired with her graceful appearance make her a standout in the sport, winning the admiration of fans worldwide.
Hailing from Denmark, Line Kjærsfeldt is celebrated for her elegant playing style and radiant smile. Known for her upbeat personality, she’s a fan favorite in Europe, combining charm and competitive spirit in every match.
Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara is adored for her cheerful smile and friendly demeanor. Despite her gentle appearance, her skill and tenacity on the court are unmatched, making her a favorite among fans who admire her both for her looks and her resilience.
These incredible badminton players remind us that beauty and skill are a powerful combination. Not only do they bring exceptional talent to the court, but they also inspire fans around the world with their dedication and charm. Explore the stories of these players who truly embody the spirit of badminton!
Europe’s campaign at the YONEX BWF World Junior Championships 2024 concluded after the quarterfinals. The top-seeded mixed doubles pair, Tom Lalot Trescarte and Elsa Jacob (FRA), were the last European hopes, making their way from the Round of 128 before bowing out in the quarters.
The duo has had an impressive year, securing several titles, including the FZ FORZA Alpes International U19 2024 and the senior-level VICTOR Latvia International 2023.
Though no European players took home a title this time, the growing talent pool across Europe shows a promising future for the continent’s badminton scene.
Chinese women’s singles player Xu Wenjingdefeated teammate Yin Yiqing 19-21, 23-21, 21-11 to claim the women’s singles title at the 2024 World Junior Badminton Championships.
Q: The second game was tough. How did you turn it around?
Xu Wenjing: My opponent has been very aggressive since the Asian Junior Championships, and she has improved a lot. Plus, she had the advantage of playing at home. To win this gold, I had to overcome various challenges, and this match was a great test for me.
Q: What does winning this gold medal mean to you?
Xu Wenjing: This gold medal isn’t just my personal honor; it also belongs to my coach who has been with me throughout the tournament. It’s been eight years since China won the women’s singles title at the World Junior Championships, so I’m thrilled to bring it back. I feel like I’m starting from scratch again, and if I have the chance to compete next year, my goal will still be gold.
Q: The World Junior Championships span a long period. How did you manage the transition from team events to individual competitions?
Xu Wenjing: There’s always some fatigue transitioning from team to individual events, but the 11-point format in the team matches consumes less energy. I focused on relaxing, getting treatment, and maintaining the right mindset between games. I just took each match one at a time without overburdening myself.
Q: What was the toughest moment for you?
Xu Wenjing: The second game of the final was the hardest. After losing the first game, I kept reminding myself of all the effort I had put in and that I had to push myself. Both my teammate and I wanted this championship, so I kept encouraging myself to stay focused and not let distractions get in the way. In the second game, when I managed to hold on during the key points, my confidence grew, and that momentum carried into the third game.
Q: Chen Yufei is your idol. What do you hope to learn from her?
Xu Wenjing: Chen Yufei is like an older sister to us. I know I still have areas to improve, especially in terms of my mindset and strategies. I hope to learn from her how to remain emotionally stable when facing challenges.
After concluding her journey at the Paris Olympics, Chen Yufei, one of China’s top badminton players, has taken a break from sports and is currently studying in Australia. She even changed her personal Weibo account name to “Chen Yufei on Vacation” and has been actively updating her social media, frequently sharing her overseas life with fans through livestreams.
Recently, Chen Yufei mentioned in a livestream that she was tested for doping by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
“A lot of interesting things have happened in Australia recently. We often have to undergo doping tests, and previously, I had to report my whereabouts for the tests. I thought since I’m all the way over here, even though I reported my location, they wouldn’t come all the way to test me, right? But one day, while I was in class, I suddenly got a phone call. It startled me! They said they were already downstairs at my place, waiting to test me. I immediately grabbed my bag, told my teacher, ‘I’m heading home,’ and when I got there, they were waiting downstairs to conduct the doping test.”
“If I hadn’t shown up, they would have counted it as a missed test. While one missed test isn’t a big deal, three missed tests would count as a violation. It’s best not to miss any tests. The BWF commissioned them. I reported my whereabouts, and they then authorized the local agency to test me. They showed me their IDs and the authorization letter before following the process to check my urine and blood samples. They were really surprised and asked, ‘China Olympic champion, why here?’ I said, ‘I’m here to study English.’”
After competing in the Paris Olympics, China’s top female badminton player Chen Yufei decided to take a break from the court. Currently studying and traveling abroad, she issued a strong statement on social media yesterday, urging fans not to engage in spying behavior.
Chen Yufei wrote in her IG story: “I am grateful to be recognized wherever I go and would love to greet and chat with friends. However, I do not like being spied on; it makes me feel like I have no privacy anywhere.”
Chen Yufei firmly stated: “I am just an ordinary person who plays badminton and am not back on the court. Please respect my private life. Additionally, I have no plans to play badminton, and I am unaware of any news regarding where I might appear.”
Previously, Chen Yufei changed her Weibo account name to “Chen Yufei on Vacation” and applied for world ranking protection with the Badminton World Federation. Her return to the court remains uncertain, and she has expressed thoughts about retirement, but the national team hopes she will stay and has given her time to consider.
An Seyoung will relinquish her position as the world No. 1 in women’s singles next week, with Chen Yufei from China taking over the top spot. An Seyoung will also miss the opportunity to become the third player in history, after China’s Li Xuerui and Tai Tzu Ying, to finish a year ranked first.
Regarded as a prodigious talent, An Seyoung won the Japan Open Championship in 2023 and first became the world No. 1 in women’s singles on August 1 of that year, making her the first Korean woman to hold the title in 27 years. She held the No. 1 ranking for 62 consecutive weeks. However, following her gold medal win in women’s singles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, An Seyoung has been sidelined due to injury. After returning home, she harshly criticized the Korean Badminton Association for their negligence and unfair treatment, revealing that during her seven years in the national team, she suffered bullying, had to do laundry for senior players, and even wash their underwear, which sparked a significant uproar.
An Seyoung‘s long absence from competitions will result in her handing over the world No. 1 title next week. Since the BWF established the world ranking system in 2002, only two players have finished a year ranked No. 1 in women’s singles: Li Xuerui from 2013 to 2014 and Tai Tzu Ying in 2017 and 2021.
Tai Tzu Ying first ascended to the world No. 1 ranking after winning the Hong Kong Super Series in 2016. She continued her dominance into the 2017 season, capturing five Super Series titles, along with gold medals at the Taipei Universiade and the Asian Championships, totaling seven international titles that set an unprecedented record for badminton in Chinese Taipei.
In January 2021, Tai Tzu Ying achieved an impressive 1 gold and 2 silver medals at three tournaments in Thailand, including her third title at the year-end finals. She also earned silver medals at the Tokyo Olympics and the World Championships, and in that year, she received the BWF Player of the Year award, becoming the first from Chinese Taipei to achieve this honor.
Chen Yufei was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the women’s singles at the Paris Olympics, missing out on a consecutive title. After the match, she announced a temporary break and applied for world ranking protection. Next week, her ranking will surpass An Seyoung, marking her return to the world No. 1 position since March 10, 2020.
The top two women’s singles players have both been absent from competitions for an extended period after the Paris Olympics. Chen Yufei has taken a break from the court, while An Seyoung, following her gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, has suspended her participation due to injury concerns. Their rankings will switch next week, with An Seyoung losing 5,580 points, dropping her world total to 100,337 points, while Chen Yufei will lose 1,800 points, reaching 101,682 points to reclaim the top spot. The third and fourth places are held by Wang Zhiyi from China, Spain’s Carolina Marin, Taiwan’s Tai Tzu Ying, Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, China’s Han Yue, Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, Japan’s Aya Ohori, and American-born Zhang Beiwen.
After Chen Yufei‘s return to the world No. 1 position, the Chinese badminton team holds the top ranking in all five events, with Shi Yuqi firmly seated as the king of men’s singles, Liang Weikang/Wang Chang leading men’s doubles, and Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan and Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong holding the top spots in women’s doubles and mixed doubles, respectively.
The final Super 1000 event of the 2024 BWF World Tour, the China Open, will kick off on September 17 in Changzhou, Jiangsu, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival. According to the latest information from the Chinese Badminton Association on September 16, and the draw released by the event organizers, China’s top women’s singles player and Tokyo Olympic champion, Chen Yufei, as well as Paris Olympic mixed doubles champions, Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong, will not be participating in this tournament. While fans may be disappointed by their absence, China’s objective remains unchanged: to achieve strong results in all five events, reach the finals in each, and secure as many titles as possible on home soil.
Following the Thomas and Uber Cup, this is the second top-level badminton event held in China this year, and the last Super 1000 event of the 2024 BWF World Tour. The China Open has attracted more than 200 top athletes from 21 countries and regions, with a total prize pool of $2 million, and increased ranking points. Unfortunately, the Chinese Badminton Association’s latest entry list, released on September 16, confirms that newly crowned Olympic mixed doubles champions Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong will not participate, despite being listed as the top seeds on the initial draw just last week. Additionally, China’s top women’s singles player, Chen Yufei, will also be absent. Reports had suggested she would return at the China Open, but she has opted to protect her ranking after the Paris Olympics, and her participation was never confirmed. It is now official that Chen Yufei will continue to stay off the court.
Despite these absences, China is still sending a strong lineup, determined to perform well at this important home tournament.
China’s men’s singles players are led by Paris Olympic participants Shi Yuqi and Li Shifeng, with Lu Guangzu, Weng Hongyang, and Lei Lanxi also competing. On the international front, nearly all the world’s top players have arrived in Changzhou, including Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medalists Viktor Axelsen, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, and Lee Zii Jia, as well as Kento Momota, Chou Tien-Chen, and others. It will be a tough battle for China to secure the men’s singles title.
In women’s singles, China’s Wang Zhiyi, Han Yue, Zhang Yiman, and Gao Fangjie are all placed in the top half of the draw, which is not an ideal situation. The top two seeds are Paris Olympic champion An Se-Young and Chinese Taipei’s veteran Tai Tzu-Ying, with Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi also in the mix. Apart from the injured Spanish player Carolina Marín and Chen Yufei, almost all of the world’s top female players are present.
In men’s doubles, all eyes are on the much-anticipated return of Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, the Paris Olympic silver medalists. The duo had missed the Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong Opens after the Olympics but are back on the court for this event, bolstering China’s hopes of claiming the men’s doubles title. They are also the reigning champions of this event and are aiming to defend their title. China’s other men’s doubles pairs include Xie Haonan/Zeng Weihang and Chen Boyang/Liu Yi.
In women’s doubles, the biggest change for China is the new pairing of Paris Olympic champion Jia Yifan with Zheng Yu. They are seeded fifth in this tournament, while Chen Qingchen is temporarily away from the team and will miss the event. On the morning of September 16, Jia Yifan and Zheng Yu began training to adapt to the court, and although this is their first time partnering, they are expected to improve their coordination as they go. Paris Olympic silver medalists Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning and the Chinese pair Li Yijing/Luo Xumin are also in the bottom half of the women’s doubles draw. Japan’s popular duo Chiharu Shida and Nami Matsuyama, bronze medalists at the Paris Olympics, will also be competing.
In mixed doubles, despite the absence of Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong, China still has a strong chance of winning this event. The team’s second pair, Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping, the newly crowned Hong Kong Open champions Jiang Zhenbang/Wei Yaxin, as well as Guo Xinwa/Chen Fanghui and Cheng Xing/Zhang Chi, all have great potential to contend for the title.
YONEX Badminton Rackets: Lightweight Like Lightning, Powerful Like Olympic Champions!Astrox AX77pro, used by champions Huang Yaqiong and Chen Yufei, features professional-grade full-carbon construction for seamless swings and top performance!
Badminton is a widely popular sport in daily life, offering not only a great workout but also a way to relieve stress and improve mood. But how much do people actually know about this sport? What feathers are used in badminton shuttles? How many feathers does each shuttlecock have? How fast can a shuttlecock travel? And what do the tension numbers on a badminton racket mean?
Shuttlecocks sold on the market today are typically made from duck or goose feathers. The shuttlecocks used in top-level tournaments are made from goose feathers, specifically those from the goose’s wings, as they are more durable and provide the correct flight speed. Chicken feathers are not strong enough and tend to break easily during play. Using chicken feathers would result in a court littered with broken pieces by the end of a match! Each shuttlecock consists of 16 feathers, as this number provides the optimal spacing for stable flight.
While badminton may not be a ball game in the traditional sense, its speed is unmatched by other sports. The fastest shuttlecocks can rival the speed of high-speed trains and even approach the speed of the world’s fastest magnetic levitation trains.
Historically, records show that many countries and regions around the world had early forms of badminton-like games over 2,000 years ago. China is one of the earliest nations to engage in such activities. According to the Collection of National Sports, the Miao ethnic group in China had a game called “Da Shou Jian” (hitting a hand shuttlecock), which is an early form of badminton in China. The game, known as “Magoo” in the Miao language, involved tying colorful chicken feathers into a bundle, using a gourd skin to cut a round piece with a hole in the center, and attaching it to the feather bundle. Players hit the hand shuttlecock with their hands, trying to prevent it from touching the ground, often while conversing or singing. Some ethnic groups even used small wooden paddles to hit the shuttlecock, and over time, this evolved into a traditional sport still enjoyed today by ethnic groups like the Miao, Zhuang, and Jino.
The tension of a badminton racket refers to the tightness of the strings and is measured in pounds (lb), indicating the pressure per square inch. The tension level directly affects the racket’s elasticity, hardness, stability, and durability. The numbers on the racket represent the tension of the strings: the tension of the cross strings is usually denoted by the letter “V” followed by a number (e.g., V30LBS means the cross strings are at 30 lbs). The tension of the main strings is shown by the letter “U” followed by a number (e.g., U28 means the main strings are at 28 lbs).
Badminton rackets are generally categorized into five tension levels:
Low tension (below 20 lbs): Highly elastic, easy for lifting and dropping shots, but difficult to control shot accuracy.
Mid-low tension (20-23 lbs): Good elasticity and control but lacks power in offensive shots.
Mid tension (23-25 lbs): Offers comfortable control and precise power response.
Mid-high tension (25-27 lbs): Stiffer string bed, harder to clear shots, but offers pinpoint control.
High tension (28 lbs and above): Excellent control, requiring strong power, especially in wrist strength and explosive power.
Currently, the string tensions used by national team players vary. For instance, men’s singles player Shi Yuqi, men’s doubles player Liang Weikeng, and mixed doubles male player Zheng Siwei all use 29 lbs on the main strings and 31 lbs on the cross strings. Women’s doubles player Jia Yifan, who excels in attacking, also uses the same tension. Mixed doubles players Huang Yaqiong and Huang Dongping use 27 lbs on the main strings and 29 lbs on the cross strings. Women’s singles player Chen Yufei, known for her control, uses a mid-tension racket with 24 lbs on the main strings and 25.5 lbs on the cross strings. “Lower tension offers better control and further shots,” says Chen Yufei. It’s important to note that these players’ tensions are not fixed and may be adjusted based on their skill level and physical condition.
Shi Yuqi, who made a strong comeback this year by winning the Denmark Open and Australia Open, uses the Yonex Astrox 100ZZ in navy blue. This racket features a 6.3mm Hyper Slim solid core and an ultra-thin frame design, making it the thinnest in Yonex history. It combines the speed attributes of the Astrox 800 with the power of the Astrox 99/88D, offering excellent backcourt attack while remaining lightweight.
The BG80P is an offensive string with similar durability to the BG65 but offers enhanced durability and a softer feel compared to the BG80. Despite its popularity, BG80P is often out of stock due to high demand.
Zhao Junpeng, who had an impressive first half of the year with a runner-up finish at the Indonesia Open and a bronze medal at the World Championships, uses the new 3U version of the ArcSaber 11 PRO. Despite his strings being at 31-33 lbs, he often adds tape to the racket head to increase its offensive power. The BG66UM, with a 0.65mm gauge, was once Yonex’s thinnest string, favored by top players like Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei. Known for its excellent elasticity and sharp hitting sound, BG66UM offers great performance but has a very low durability, often breaking quickly under heavy use.
Li Shifeng also uses the Astrox 100ZZ but prefers the 3U version for its slightly heavier weight. Paired with the 0.65mm BG66UM, this setup provides powerful attacking capabilities.
Lu Guangzu: Yonex Astrox 99 PRO (3U), Yonex BGAB Strings, 30-32 lbs
Lu Guangzu, who secured the runner-up position at the Australia Open, uses the Astrox 99 PRO in 3U. This racket, known for its strong offensive properties, features a tungsten-infused top for enhanced head heaviness and a thinner “EXTRA SLIM SHAFT” for better high-tension performance. The BGAB string, with a 0.61mm gauge for horizontal and 0.67mm for vertical, combines high elasticity with good control but has average durability.
Chen Yufei, who won one gold and seven silver medals this season, uses the new Astrox 77 PRO. This racket features a balanced design with a 76-hole pattern and a slightly stiff shaft, making it user-friendly for most players. The BGXB63, with its 0.63mm gauge, is exceptionally thin, providing a firm hit with excellent elasticity but limited durability.
He Bingjiao: Yonex VTZF2 (4U), Yonex BG66UM Strings, 29-31 lbs
He Bingjiao, who won four titles this year, uses the Yonex VTZF2, known for its head-heavy balance and high difficulty of use. With a 310mm balance point and a stiff shaft, it offers exceptional attacking power but a narrow sweet spot. Paired with the 0.65mm BG66UM and a tension of around 30 lbs, the VTZF2 enhances He Bingjiao’s offensive capabilities.
Wang Zhiyi, who won the Asian Championships early this year, uses the Astrox 100ZZ with the ultra-thin and elastic BGXB63 strings. Despite a strong start, her performance declined in the latter half of the season. Her setup provides excellent feel and control for her play style.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Chinese badminton team concluded their campaign with a total of 2 gold medals and 3 silver medals.
Before the Games began, the Chinese badminton team aimed to win all five gold medals in men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, with world number one players or pairs in each event. Three years ago at the Tokyo Olympics, the mixed doubles pair Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong lost to teammates Wang Yilyu/Huang Dongping in the final, narrowly missing out on gold. This time, the “Yas” pair made thorough preparations and made a comeback, winning all six matches to secure the championship, completing a crucial piece of their career puzzle.
The women’s doubles final was an “internal” match between Chinese pairs. Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan eventually defeated their younger teammates Tan Ning/Liu Shengshu, compensating for their loss in the Tokyo Olympics final.
The men’s doubles competition was the most intense. Teams from China, Malaysia, India, and other countries had closely matched strengths, with victory largely depending on pre-match preparation and performance. Chinese pair Liu Yuchen/Ou Xuanyi failed to advance past the group stage, and although the world number one pair Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang reached the final, they ultimately fell short and had to settle for silver.
The performance of Chinese men’s singles players was unexpected. World number one Shi Yuki was in excellent form before the Olympics, having won several championships. However, in the men’s singles quarter-finals, Shi Yuki suffered a significant defeat to Thailand’s Kunlavut. Li Shifeng, the Hangzhou Asian Games champion, also underperformed and was eliminated in the Round of 16. This is the first time since the 2004 Athens Olympics that Chinese men’s singles has not reached the Olympic semi-finals.
The women’s singles performed better than the men’s. Chen Yufei and He Bingjiao both advanced from the group stage, meeting in the quarter-finals, where Chen Yufei lost to He Bingjiao, thus missing the chance for a repeat championship. In the women’s singles final, He Bingjiao faced world number one An Seyoung and was defeated due to a clear disparity in strength.
China’s badminton team has won the most Olympic gold medals in the history of the sport. At the 2012 London Olympics, the team achieved a clean sweep of all five gold medals. In the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, they secured two gold medals each. This time in Paris, their achievements are comparable to the previous two editions.
Over the past decade, badminton has rapidly developed worldwide, altering the competitive landscape. Teams from South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Denmark, and other countries have emerged with numerous talented players, diminishing China’s absolute dominance in any event. Especially in men’s events, China has been lacking a leading figure. Wang Chang commented in an interview with our reporter, “Competitive sports are always full of uncertainties. However, every Chinese athlete will strive for victory when they step onto the Olympic stage.”
