After stepping down from the Chinese national badminton team, Liu Yuchen has shared his reflections.
“Hello everyone, I am Liu Yuchen. Although I am reluctant, the day has finally come. Since joining the national team in 2012, badminton has accompanied me through my youth. As someone who was often underestimated, I always wanted to prove myself with every victory: I can do it! When I won silver in Tokyo, I did consider retiring alongside my partner, but I couldn’t accept it. I believe I still have more to offer on the court. Over the past three years, the Tzu-Yuan pair has created unforgettable moments with our perseverance, and I am very content with that.”
“Although I didn’t achieve a Grand Slam in men’s doubles, I am grateful for the effort and persistence along the way. I want to thank those who doubted me, for it was your skepticism that pushed me to persist and prove myself with results! As the Paris Olympics end, my dream truly concludes. As my coach Bao said: I have no more time. My body is completely overloaded, and I no longer want to take painkillers to perform well in matches or anti-inflammatory drugs to train the next day. I don’t want to keep pushing myself to the limit only to find my performance lacking on the court!”
“I am honored to have been a part of the Chinese badminton team, where I have earned countless honors. The legacy and fighting spirit of my senior teammates have inspired us, and now it’s up to the younger generation. Keep going! You are the best, and the world is yours! There is no longer a place for me in this new world. I’m stepping off the ship now, returning to life and welcoming a new beginning. Of course, I hope everyone will remember Liu Yuchen, the badminton player. Thank you for the years of tolerance and understanding, for my teammates who fought alongside me, and for our behind-the-scenes heroes—our fitness coaches, team doctors, and staff. Without your contributions, we wouldn’t have been able to focus on our training! Thank you all for your continuous support. I will always remember it! Finally, I wish the national badminton team even greater success and to reach new heights!”
Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong have switched to the PRO versions of their rackets. Zheng Siwei uses the ArcSaber 11 PRO, which features a dark red and gray color scheme. It has 8 grommet holes at the top of the frame, making it more durable for high tension. The racket is slightly head-heavy and has a medium-stiff shaft, making it suitable for attacking play. The Yonex BGAB strings include the 0.61mm BGAS horizontal strings, which offer excellent elasticity but average durability, and the Aerobite vertical strings with a 0.67mm gauge, providing great control with a polyurethane coating for increased grip on the shuttlecock. The combination of the ArcSaber 11 PRO and BGAB strings at 30 lbs delivers a powerful hitting sound.
Huang Yaqiong uses the new Astrox 77 PRO, featuring a 76-hole design, box-shaped frame, slightly stiff shaft, and a 6.8mm diameter, providing a well-rounded and easy-to-use racket for most players. Its built-in attacking capabilities and solid feel make it the most balanced racket in the Astrox PRO series. The BGXB63 strings, at 0.63mm, are very thin, offering a firm hit and excellent elasticity, though they are less durable and quite expensive.
Huang Dongping and Feng Yanzhe will be forming a new fixed pair in upcoming matches. Feng Yanzhe uses the 100ZZ, which has a 6.3mm Hyper Slim solid core and an ultra-thin frame, making it one of the thinnest rackets Yonex has ever produced. Despite its lightweight, it offers significant backcourt power. With many players, including Anders Antonsen and Shi Yuqi, using the 100ZZ, its price has been rising.
Huang Dongping uses the new ArcSaber 7 PRO, known for its bright yellow color. It has a light head, a slightly stiff shaft, and excellent elasticity, similar to the speed-focused Astrox 800. The ArcSaber 7 PRO is stable and fast, especially for quick exchanges in doubles. Paired with the 0.65mm
Wang Chang: Yonex Astrox 88S PRO (4U), Yonex BG80 Strings, 30-32 lbs
Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang have been one of the biggest highlights in China’s men’s doubles this year, rising from world ranking 424 to win the Japan Open. Liang Weikeng uses the Astrox 100ZZ with BG80 strings at 33 lbs, delivering extremely powerful smashes. Wang Chang uses the Astrox 88S PRO, which offers fast play in the front and mid-court, but its 68-hole design provides a lower sweet spot, making it less forgiving and less precise for amateur players.
Both players use the classic BG80 strings, which are popular among high-tension players. With a gauge of 0.68mm, BG80 strings strike a balance between durability and elasticity. The Vectran fibers in the core and the rough oval nylon coating enhance tension retention, provide a firm feel, and offer excellent performance in powerful smashes.
China’s new men’s doubles pair, Liu Yuchen and Ou Xuanyi, recently won the BWF World Tour Finals, securing their position as top players. Both use the Astrox 100ZZ, highlighting the racket’s popularity among players. They also use the BGXB63 strings, which are very thin at 0.63mm, offering a firm feel and excellent elasticity.
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.”
These national players, while winning gold on the court, are also spreading love in their personal lives. Their partners are their strongest supporters, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. However, the “immortal couples” of Chinese badminton have also faced many untold challenges, from secret relationships to public declarations of love…
Too sweet! A real-life Parisian love story unfolds!
On the Paris Olympic stage, the “YaSi” duo—Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong—dominated with a 2:0 victory over their South Korean opponents, securing the mixed doubles gold medal.
After the match, a romantic scene unfolded in the badminton arena: Huang Yaqiong’s boyfriend, Liu Yuchen, proposed to her on the spot, winning her heart. Netizens were ecstatic, exclaiming how sweet it was!
In fact, Huang Yaqiong and Liu Yuchen are just one of many couples in Chinese badminton, including Lin Dan and Xie Xingfang, Chen Long and Wang Shixian, Sun Jun and Ge Fei… It’s no wonder that China’s badminton team is known as the “team with the most couples.”
These athletes not only excel on the court but also share their love openly. Their partners are their strongest supporters, helping them to overcome challenges and achieve greatness.
Of course, the “immortal couples” of Chinese badminton have faced many untold challenges, from secret relationships to public declarations of love…
A Romantic Proposal for an Olympic Champion: The “YaSi” Duo Finds True Love
On the evening of August 2, the “YaSi” duo—Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong—secured the mixed doubles gold medal at the Paris Olympics with a 2-0 victory over their South Korean rivals.
Immediately after the awards ceremony, as Huang Yaqiong stepped off the podium and waved to the audience, ready to leave, Liu Yuchen, a Chinese badminton men’s doubles player, called out to her with a bouquet of flowers in hand.
Liu Yuchen handed the bouquet to Huang Yaqiong and then knelt on one knee. At that moment, the entire arena held its breath. Huang Yaqiong was initially surprised, but then her face lit up with a smile as she covered her mouth in happiness.
Liu Yuchen then took out a small box from his pocket and opened it, revealing a sparkling ring. He proclaimed his love for Huang Yaqiong and loudly asked, “Will you marry me?”
Huang Yaqiong, with tears welling up in her eyes, nodded enthusiastically. In front of all the athletes, staff, reporters, and spectators, Liu Yuchen placed the ring on Huang Yaqiong’s finger.
In one match, Huang Yaqiong not only won a gold medal but also a diamond ring. This romantic moment in the city of love, Paris, made the internet buzz with excitement: “China not only won a gold medal but also gained a diamond on the podium!”
Netizens were quick to update their descriptions of the couple:
Huang Yaqiong: Won a gold medal, a diamond ring, a man, and a kiss at the Olympics.
Liu Yuchen: The first person in history to propose after winning an Olympic gold medal.
After the match, Huang Yaqiong was interviewed by reporters and said excitedly, “This summer couldn’t be more perfect.”
Behind this romantic proposal, the Chinese badminton coaching team had been planning for some time and even invited familiar media friends to capture this beautiful moment. Foreign journalists were also touched by the scene, eagerly taking photos and asking Chinese reporters about the man behind the proposal.
At the post-match press conference, when asked if she had anticipated the proposal, Huang Yaqiong said, “I had no idea; we were focused on preparing for the competition. It was a total surprise to be proposed to after winning the championship. So far, the ring seems to fit perfectly.”
Chinese badminton coach Xia Xuanze, a fellow Zhejiang native, humorously played the role of the “bride’s family,” jokingly saying, “Hey, you kid, proposing is such a big deal; why did you choose such a small diamond? And the flowers don’t seem grand enough!” His words were full of blessings for the couple.
As Huang Yaqiong’s golden partner, Zheng Siwei also offered his congratulations: “Last time, I proposed after losing in Tokyo, and this time, Yaqiong was proposed to after we won the championship, so her joy is even greater. It’s a double celebration, and I’m truly happy for her.”
Speaking of proposals, Zheng Siwei himself is quite the expert. Back in September 2021, after the Tokyo Olympics and the National Games, Zheng Siwei announced on Weibo that he had successfully proposed after a nine-year relationship.
At the proposal scene, surrounded by pink arches and flowers, Zheng Siwei, dressed in a light blue suit with short, neatly cut hair, looked dashing. He first presented his girlfriend with a large bouquet of roses, then knelt on one knee and, after saying his vows, offered a diamond ring, to which his girlfriend smilingly agreed.
Netizens left messages of congratulations:
“So sweet, Siwei, you must be happy!”
“Tears of joy for my idol, may you and your girlfriend have a lifetime of love and happiness!”
“Siwei is really sunshine personified; who could resist?”
Earlier media reports revealed that Zheng Siwei’s girlfriend is also an athlete. Zheng Siwei often shows his affection on social media, once even writing, “Meeting you is my greatest fortune.” His girlfriend’s posts on short video platforms are also entirely about him.
In fact, the Chinese badminton team has a long-standing tradition of “internal relationships,” a reflection of the team’s understanding and acceptance of love.
Unlike the strict rules in the table tennis team, the Chinese badminton team has openly stated that they do not oppose players dating, but there are some unwritten rules, such as “male players can date after 25, and female players after 23.” The most important rule is that relationships should not affect performance or violate team discipline.
This relatively relaxed and humane atmosphere has allowed many high-profile couples to emerge within the team… From “Secret Love” to Public Declarations: Hidden Sorrows Behind the Scenes?
When it comes to the “immortal couples” of Chinese badminton, many people first think of Lin Dan and Xie Xingfang.
In the 2007 All England Open Badminton Championships, Lin Dan and Xie Xingfang both won singles titles, with Lin Dan first claiming the men’s title, followed by Xie Xingfang’s victory in the women’s singles.
During the award ceremony, while Xie Xingfang was on the podium, Lin Dan walked over with nine roses in hand and boldly kissed her in front of the media, publicly revealing their relationship.
At that moment, Xie Xingfang was overwhelmed with mixed emotions—both surprised and apprehensive.
She was thrilled because Lin Dan’s public declaration of love made her feel like the happiest woman in the world. But she also worried about the uncertainties of the future. She secretly vowed to train even harder, achieve even better results, and avoid giving the coaches any reason to criticize their relationship.
After leaving the court, Xie Xingfang found her concerns were unnecessary.
The media overwhelmingly supported the “champion couple,” dubbing them the “Condor Heroes” of badminton, and even the coaches, rather than being furious, simply teased them for their acting skills.
Three years later, in December 2010, Lin Dan and Xie Xingfang quietly registered their marriage, putting off their wedding for the sake of their careers. When Lin Dan was preparing for the Olympics, Xie Xingfang not only cheered him on but also planned their wedding, becoming a “superwoman bride.”
In September 2012, after nine years of dating, Lin Dan and Xie Xingfang held their wedding at the Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium, with a star-studded guest list and Bai Yansong serving as the wedding host.
The wedding was not open to the public or the media, but it still attracted a large crowd, with some even bringing binoculars and long-focus cameras to get a better view.
Why hold the wedding at the Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium? Lin Dan won his first Olympic gold medal there in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and Xie Xingfang won the silver in women’s singles at the same venue.
Lin Dan carefully planned every detail of the wedding, even designing the invitations to resemble Olympic tickets, with a barcode hiding the message “Love you forever.” The venue was decorated in light purple and ivory, Xie Xingfang’s favorite colors. A wall at the venue was covered with over 1,600 photos, documenting their love story.
During the wedding, Bai Yansong asked Xie Xingfang, “What has Lin Dan done that moved you the most?”
She replied, “Lin Dan never lets me wash dishes because he says the detergent is harmful to my hands.”
Lin Dan then made a public declaration: “I have long thought about marriage. Playing badminton used to be the most important thing in my life, but now it’s different. Family is as important as playing badminton.”
However, the story took a turn later on. During Xie Xingfang’s pregnancy, Lin Dan’s inappropriate behavior was exposed, but she quickly chose to forgive him, and the couple’s popularity declined. Since then, Xie Xingfang has often appeared as a strong, independent woman, evoking both admiration and sympathy from former fans.
After Lin Dan and Xie Xingfang, Chen Long and Wang Shixian became known as the “Golden Boy and Jade Girl” of Chinese badminton.
At 35, Chen Long retired from the national team last year. He won the men’s singles gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Wang Shixian, who is a year younger than him, had won one Sudirman Cup and three Uber Cups before retiring from the national team in 2017.
As key members of the national team, Chen Long and Wang Shixian first met when they joined the national second team in 2006, and they began their relationship in 2007. In April 2024, Chen Long reminisced about their early romance, saying, “She was the most beautiful, and I was the most handsome. At 19, I took the initiative to confess my feelings to her.”
Later, the couple experienced a five-year “underground relationship.” In 2013, during a visit to Jiuzhaigou by the national team, their close interactions led to speculation about their relationship. Their romance was again exposed at the All England Open the following year.
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Chen Long, under immense pressure, defeated Lee Chong Wei to win the gold medal. He made a heart gesture to Wang Shixian from a distance, publicly revealing their relationship. Although Wang Shixian did not participate in the Rio Olympics, she supported Chen Long throughout the event, serving as his cheerleader and private chef. Shortly after the Rio Olympics, Wang Shixian announced her retirement from the national team.
In November 2017, to mark their tenth anniversary, Chen Long surprised Wang Shixian with a proposal. Media reports stated that Chen Long declared his love for her, leaving Wang Shixian in tears. “Once, Shixian asked me ‘when will we get married?’ I was caught off guard and said we could get married anytime, which made her cry immediately.” Unaware of the plan, Wang Shixian eventually accepted the proposal, and the couple embraced passionately. Chen Long later revealed they would register their marriage by the end of the year. He also posted a photo of them holding hands on Weibo, captioned “Holding your hand,” to which Wang Shixian replied, “Growing old together.”
Before Lin Dan and Xie Xingfang, the “fairy-tale couple” of Chinese badminton was Sun Jun and Ge Fei. Sun Jun, once the top male singles player, and Ge Fei, the “big devil” of women’s doubles, were regarded as a match made in heaven. Unlike the open attitudes of today, coaches at that time were concerned that romantic relationships might affect performance and results, so Sun Jun and Ge Fei could not publicly acknowledge their relationship initially. It wasn’t until 1995, when the Chinese badminton team won the Sudirman Cup in Lausanne, Switzerland, that their relationship was officially accepted.
At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Ge Fei, alongside her partner Gu Jun, won the women’s doubles gold medal, leading Chinese badminton to its first Olympic gold. Over the following three years, Ge Fei and Gu Jun dominated various tournaments, winning numerous titles including the World Championships, World Cup, and the World Badminton Series Finals. They also successfully defended their women’s doubles gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Meanwhile, Sun Jun also achieved significant success, winning the men’s singles title at the 1999 World Badminton Championships. Although he suffered an injury at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, he redeemed himself by winning the mixed doubles gold at the 2001 National Games with Ge Fei, marking a memorable moment in badminton.
Subsequently, Ge Fei and Sun Jun retired from their athletic careers and married, holding a warm wedding ceremony in Nanjing. As of 2024, Sun Jun serves as a coach for the badminton team at the Paris Olympics.
The “National Badminton Three Musketeers” of the 1980s—Yang Yang, Xiong Guobao, and Zhao Jianhua—were also romantically involved. Yang Yang married Zheng Yuli, Xiong Guobao found his partner in Qian Ping, and Zhao Jianhua was with Wu Wenjing.
Former Chinese national badminton head coach Li Yongbo frequently explained, “It is a person’s right to have a relationship at the appropriate age; athletes are also human, and we understand their emotions.” He emphasized, “However, athletes differ from ordinary people; they carry the mission of representing their country. We advocate for the right to have relationships as long as it does not compromise their mission.”
In reality, badminton players’ relationships receive coach approval mainly when they successfully balance their personal and professional lives, achieving success in both love and career. Many couples become each other’s best partners and strong support systems for winning titles.
For instance, Chen Long and Wang Shixian have weathered over a decade of ups and downs together. When either faced challenges or needed support in their careers, they were always there for each other. In the 2016 Rio Olympics, even though Wang Shixian was not part of the team, she supported Chen Long throughout the event, providing him with logistical support. This allowed Chen Long to focus on his performance and ultimately win gold. Similarly, during the National Games, when Chen Long finished his competition early, he became Wang Shixian’s support, helping with her luggage, waiting for her interviews, and even doing laundry.
Now retired, Chen Long mainly focuses on spending more time with his family. He is grateful for Wang Shixian’s support and believes it is time to give more attention to his family. However, he will not completely leave badminton; he remains a coach for the national team, focusing on men’s singles, and has also established a badminton tournament named after himself with a sponsor.
Additionally, Zheng Siwei appreciates his girlfriend’s support throughout their journey from the provincial team to the national team.
In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, while Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng claimed the men’s doubles silver medal, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang were still in elementary school in Guangzhou and Ningbo, just starting to play badminton. They pounded their chests in frustration in front of the television at the “Fengyun” duo’s near victory.
By the time Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng finally fulfilled their dream by winning the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang had begun systematic training at sports schools. As young athletes, they harbored the budding desire to emulate the Fengyun duo.
In the 2016 Rio Olympics, as Zhang Nan and Fu Haifeng secured a hard-fought gold for the Chinese badminton team, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang had entered the Zhejiang provincial team and the Guangzhou city team for professional training, becoming “rising stars” with the goal of joining the national team.
During the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, when Li Junhui and Liu Yuchen earned a silver medal despite the men’s doubles overall decline, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang had not yet paired up to compete.
In May 2022, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang began their partnership, starting from a world ranking outside the top 400. Within two years, they climbed to the top of the world rankings and entered their first Olympic journey as the top seeds in the men’s doubles at the Paris Olympics.
On the evening of August 4, 2024, in the men’s doubles final at the Paris Olympics, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, after losing the first set 17-21, made a strong comeback by winning the second set 21-18, forcing the match into a deciding set. Despite trailing, they tenaciously fought back but ultimately lost by two points to the defending champions, Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin, securing a silver medal in their first Olympic outing.
New Blood for China’s Badminton Team in the Paris Cycle
Li Junhui and Liu Yuchen’s silver medal in Tokyo did not lead to a third consecutive Olympic gold for China in men’s doubles. With Li Junhui’s retirement, the instability in both performance and personnel in the men’s doubles category called for new talent. It was at this juncture that the post-2000 duo, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, emerged.
Their debut at the Thailand Open in May 2022, a 500-level tour event, required them to start from the qualifiers due to their low ranking. Despite the setbacks, they battled their way into the top 16, ultimately losing to Japan’s top pair, Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi.
At the Indonesia Masters, still starting from the qualifiers, this young duo made an unexpected run to the finals, defeating the world number one pair, Gideon/Sukamuljo, along the way. Although they lost to Indonesia’s Alfian/Ardianto in the final, it was a pleasant surprise.
Their world ranking soared from 424 to 179, signaling hope for China’s men’s doubles.
Hope, however, is a beautiful expectation that is not yet realized. They lost in the semifinals of the Malaysia Open to Ahsan/Setiawan and didn’t progress far in the Singapore Open. The entire men’s doubles team failed to qualify for the World Championships, highlighting a crisis.
Nevertheless, at the Japan Open, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang triumphed, defeating the third, fifth, and seventh seeds, winning their first 750-level tournament, and becoming the only champions for China in that event.
Despite missing the Denmark Open, an early exit in the French Open, failing to reach the semifinals in the Hylo Open, and another early exit in the Australian Open, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang climbed to the 17th position by year-end, with a promising future ahead.
2023: Rising to World Number One
By 2023, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, affectionately dubbed the “Liang-Wang” duo by fans, had a strong start to the year, reaching the finals in both the Malaysia and India Opens, winning silver and then gold. Despite an early exit in the German Open and a semifinal finish in the All England, their world ranking rose to seventh by April.
The Sudirman Cup marked their first team event together. Although their appearances were limited, they stood on the championship podium with their teammates, fulfilling their childhood dream of becoming “world champions.”
Returning to the Thailand Open, a year after starting as qualifiers, they won the tournament as seeded players, a perfect anniversary gift and a testament to their continuous rise.
At the Singapore Open, they reached the finals again, though they narrowly lost to a Japanese pair. Their consistent performance, with six finals and three championships in a year, brought them to second in the world rankings.
“From the Sudirman Cup to Singapore, the Olympic qualifying events have given us a good start and laid a solid foundation for the upcoming competitions. As young players, we don’t need to carry too much burden; we will continue to strive for more points and aim for the Olympic stage.” Their childhood dream was gradually becoming a reality.
With a bronze medal at the World Championships and a championship at the China Open, the “Liang-Wang” duo remained at a high competitive level. On October 31, the BWF updated its rankings, and they reached the world number one spot for the first time, achieving another goal.
However, in the Hangzhou Asian Games, they lost as the first doubles pair in the team final, but China eventually won the gold medal. In the individual event, they didn’t reach the men’s doubles quarterfinals, leaving no Chinese pairs in the semifinals. The year ended with ups and downs, securing only the China Masters title, and finishing as runners-up in the Finals in Hangzhou, losing to Kang Min-hyuk and Seo Seung-jae, but they retained their world number one ranking by year-end.
Men’s Doubles: The Most Competitive Field
As the Olympic year approached, it was time to sprint. At the first 1000-level event of the year, the Malaysia Open, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang won the title by defeating Indian stars Rankireddy/Shetty. Though they didn’t win gold in the Asian and European circuits thereafter, their ranking dropped to third. However, at the Asian Championships in April, they reclaimed the title and regained their crown.
In May, at the Thomas Cup, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, now the undisputed top men’s doubles pair, defeated Alfian/Ardianto in the final, securing a crucial point and helping China reclaim the Thomas Cup with a 3-1 victory over Indonesia.
In June, they won the Indonesian Open, the last tournament before the Paris Olympics, and reclaimed the world number one ranking. This meant they would enter the Olympic stage as the top seeds.
No one could have imagined that the duo, ranked over 400 just two years ago, would become China’s contenders in Paris. However, men’s doubles is the most competitive of badminton’s five events. Despite their number one ranking, pairs from India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Denmark, Japan, and Chinese Taipei all pose significant challenges. In men’s doubles, it’s about skill, consistency, on-the-day performance, and mental state.
Yet, the “Liang-Wang” duo remains fearless. As they said after winning their first major title at the Japan Open: “We can do it. We attack every opportunity. We are capable and strong!”
Although they didn’t win gold in Paris, their shining moment will come. Here’s hoping they fulfill their dreams in Los Angeles.
The proposal concluded, but the flowers arrived late.
National badminton team coach teased Liu Yuchen for the small bouquet he used to propose to Huang Yaqiong.
It turned out that the delay was due to the slow delivery service in France, and the real bouquet arrived late.
Badminton player Dong Xingyu said: “Today, I wasn’t rushing to catch the team bus but to witness a friend’s big moment. Today, even if the bus is late, it doesn’t matter because my task was to get the flowers for my buddy’s proposal. I waited for an hour and a half, and the match was over before the flowers arrived. In the end, everything went well! Congratulations! Congratulations!”
On the fifth day of the Olympic badminton competition, we finally faced the reluctant “farewell.” Yesterday’s matches saw Liu Yuchen/Ou Xuanyi fight to the end but still fail to advance, ending their journey at the group stage. Following that, China’s mixed doubles team had an unfortunate internal clash, with Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping exiting in the quarterfinals, bidding farewell to the Olympic stage. Both pairs are new combinations formed during the Paris cycle, achieving notable success and facing ups and downs. On the Olympic stage, they gave their all and now can only accept the results and leave the court with a smile.
From Tokyo to Paris, Huang Dongping and Liu Yuchen, an Olympic champion and an Olympic runner-up respectively, started anew with new partners, fighting hard for the Olympics. As core players, both Huang and Liu had to lead their partners and consider many factors. As new partners, the “post-00s” Feng Yanzhe and the “late bloomer” Ou Xuanyi had to push themselves to grow rapidly.
Throughout this journey, they faced many setbacks and had many shining moments. “Tuou” reached the finals in their debut, won the 1000 series and the World Tour Finals in their first year, and turned the tide in the Sudirman Cup. However, during the Olympic qualification tournaments, they often found themselves in precarious situations with declining form, injuries, and age taking their toll. Ou Xuanyi, who had rarely participated in major tournaments before partnering with Liu Yuchen, had to overcome psychological barriers, while Liu Yuchen’s hip, diagnosed as almost like that of an elderly person, severely affected his movement.
Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping, a pair confirmed less than two years before the Olympics, showed remarkable progress. Huang Dongping evolved from being guided by Wang Yilyu to guiding young Feng, constantly seeking ways to communicate and manage emotions, increasingly displaying her maturity as a senior. Feng Yanzhe, from a young player to the partner of an Olympic champion, endured immense pressure and stress over the past year but never vented to anyone, always converting pressure into motivation for faster growth. He only held himself accountable.
Yesterday’s men’s doubles match was tragic. Pre-match calculations showed that “Tuou” needed to win 2-0 against “Antelopes” to advance; if they won 2-1, they needed the “Babysitters” to beat the Danish pair; if they lost, they would be out. “Tuou” took the first game 21-17, igniting hope. However, the situation turned sharply in the second game, which they lost 17-21. Meanwhile, the Danish pair had already won the first game and clinched the second at 20-19 by scoring three consecutive points, extinguishing “Tuou’s” hopes.
At that moment, “Tuou’s” fate was sealed; even winning the current match would not help them advance. Liu Yuchen admitted that it was hard for him to handle and very impactful. However, after processing his emotions, he decided that since it was their last match, they should give it their all. Although the final score was 22-24, Liu and Ou fought like warriors, giving their all on the battlefield.
The evening’s mixed doubles internal battle was heartbreaking; both sides were dear. Ultimately, “Yaqing” won 2-0, ending the “Phoenix” pair’s Paris Olympic journey. Facing Feng’s tearful thanks and apologies, Dongping showed her maturity and magnanimity as a senior: “Even if we lost, I feel fulfilled. This was about what I expected before we came. Although we hoped for better, I think we have done all we could. The bravest thing I did this cycle was choosing to partner with young Feng. Without Feng, there wouldn’t be today’s Huang Dongping.”
Yesterday, we said goodbye to these two pairs, both of which fought from Tokyo to Paris as “old-new” combinations. Regrets are common, and perfection is rare. The charm and cruelty of competitive sports lie in our tendency to judge heroes by their results, often overlooking the journey from the start. The journey is beautiful, the present is real, and the future remains hopeful.
Liu Yuchen bluntly said, “I no longer have to take (painkillers).”
Huang Dongping said, “I haven’t said I’m retiring yet. This won’t be the end.”
Farewell to the Paris Olympic stage, but the future of everyone surely remains bright.
Liu Yuchen, male, born on 25 July 1995 in Beijing, is a Chinese badminton player who plays for the Beijing badminton team and is the men’s doubles champion of the 2018 World Badminton Championships.
Liu Yuchen was born into a sports family, his father Liu Huisheng is the head coach of the Beijing women’s badminton team, his mother Song Yuling is the coach of the Beijing swimming team, and his sister Liu Jing is a member of the National Swimming Team, who won the gold medal in the 4×200 metres freestyle relay with her teammates at the 2009 World Swimming Championships.
At the age of 10, Liu Yuchen officially entered the badminton second-string team of Shichahai Sports School and practiced badminton; he made rapid progress with the help of his father, and by 2010, at the age of 15, Liu Yuchen had already entered the first team of the Beijing badminton team, and in the same year, he was also selected as a member of the national youth training team.
In 2012, Liu Yuchen represented the national team to participate in the World Junior Badminton Championships held in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, and won the third place in Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles with Wang Yilu and Chen Qingchen respectively. In the same year, Liu Yuchen entered the second national team.
In July 2013, Liu Yuchen represented the national team at the Asian Junior Badminton Championships held in Sabah, Malaysia, winning the Men’s Doubles competition with Li Junhui.
On 25 September 2016, Liu Yuchen won the men’s doubles title at the Japan Open Badminton Championships.
On 30 June 2017, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced the latest world rankings, and Li Junhui/Liu Yuchen were ranked first in the world in men’s doubles.
On 27 May 2018, the 2018 Thomas Cup came to an end in Bangkok, Thailand, with Liu Yuchen and teammates Chen Long, Liu Cheng, Zhang Nan, Shi Yuqi, and Li Junhui, winning the title with a 3-1 comeback victory over Japan.
On 5 August 2018, in the men’s doubles final of the World Badminton Championships, Liu Yuchen partnered with Li Junhui to win his first individual World Championships men’s doubles title by defeating the 5th seeded Japanese duo of Kenshi Kiamura/Keigo Sonoda 2-0 (21-12, 21-19).
On 23 August 2018, the men’s badminton team final at the Jakarta Asian Games was contested by the Chinese men’s team of Shi Yuqi, Li Junhui, Liu Yuchen, Chen Long, Liu Cheng, and Zhang Nan, who won the title with a resounding 3-1 victory over the host Indonesian men’s team.
On 31 July 2021, Liu Yuchen and Li Junhui were the runners-up in the men’s doubles badminton team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
On 24 January 2022, according to Huang Zhanzhong, the head coach of the men’s doubles team of the Chinese badminton team, Liu Yuchen will form a new “Twin Towers” with Ou Xuanyi, who is also over 1.90 metres tall, due to the retirement of his original partner Li Junhui.
On 19 June 2022, Liu Yuchen/ Ou Xuan Yi won the men’s doubles title at the Indonesia Open of the Badminton World Tour with a 2-0 (21-17, 23-21) victory over the South Korean duo of Kyu Hyun-gyu/Kim Won-ho.
In December 2022, Liu Yuchen/Ou Xuanyi competed in the BWF World Tour Finals and won the title by defeating the Indonesian pair of Asan/Hendra 2-1 in a three-set final.
