According to the official website of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong have withdrawn from the China Badminton Masters.
The 2024 China Badminton Masters will kick off in Shenzhen on November 17. This event marks the final Super 750 tournament of the BWF World Tour for the season. As per the official website, China’s mixed doubles pair Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong have withdrawn from this tournament.
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.
The 2024 China Badminton Open will kick off on September 17, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, in Changzhou, Jiangsu. From this event onwards, the BWF will officially increase the world ranking points for the tournament, aligning them with the China Open’s Super 1000 status. The prize pool for the China Open is a staggering $2 million, far exceeding other tournaments of the same level. What excites Chinese fans even more is that Team China will be fielding most of its main players, including the highly popular Olympic men’s doubles silver medalists, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, who will return to the court after missing three post-Olympic events. China will also bring its strongest team across all categories.
This year’s China Badminton Open will be the first event under the BWF’s revamped points system. The new system aims to ensure a fairer relationship between prize money and ranking points for Super 1000 events. The four top-tier tournaments in the BWF World Tour include the Malaysia Open in January, the All England Open in March, the Indonesia Open in June, and the China Badminton Open in September. The BWF’s minimum prize money for Super 1000 tournaments is set at $1.3 million, but the China Open’s prize pool is a whopping $2 million, exceeding the standard by $700,000. This makes it the second highest-paying badminton tour event in the world, behind only the BWF World Tour Finals, which offers $2.5 million. The singles champion at the China Open will receive $140,000, while the doubles champions will earn $148,000, making it a highly lucrative competition.
In terms of ranking points, under the new system, the China Open champions will earn 13,500 points (up from 12,000), while runners-up will receive 11,500 points (up from 10,200). Semifinalists will get 9,500 points (up from 8,400), and quarterfinalists will earn 7,400 points (up from 6,600). This means that players who reach the semifinals at the China Open will accumulate more points than the champions of Super 500 events (9,200 points) and the runners-up of Super 750 tournaments (9,350 points). Even reaching the quarterfinals at the China Open will grant players more points than winning a Super 300 event (7,000 points), making this event highly attractive for players.
The China Open will also mark the first time Team China competes with a full squad following the Paris Olympics. As the host nation, with high ranking points and a significant prize pool, it’s a must-attend event for China’s top players. Originally scheduled to compete in the Hong Kong Open, men’s singles stars Shi Yuqi and Li Shifeng have withdrawn to focus on the China Open. Men’s doubles duo and Olympic silver medalists Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang will also make their comeback at the China Open after a series of off-court activities. Their participation is sure to draw significant attention from fans, given their soaring popularity after the Paris Olympics.
Paris Olympic mixed doubles champions Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong will headline the mixed doubles competition, while China’s No. 2 women’s doubles pair Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning will join forces once again. Newly crowned Olympic women’s doubles champion Jia Yifan will pair with Zheng Yu in this tournament.
Following the conclusion of the Paris Olympics, the badminton world has now entered the Los Angeles cycle, with the Japan Open and Korea Open held successively. Although many of the stars who participated in the Paris Olympics were absent from these events, there were still many highlights. In this new cycle, young players have stepped onto the stage and begun showcasing their talents. The Chinese badminton team also used these two tournaments to experiment with new doubles pairings and provide young players with opportunities to gain experience.
At the Japan Open, the Chinese team won the women’s doubles and mixed doubles titles. In the Los Angeles cycle, China still boasts strong pairings in these two events. Olympic women’s doubles silver medalists, Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning, continued their strong form from Paris. As the second seeds, they advanced to the finals after defeating Malaysia’s top pair Chen Tang Jie and Thinaah Muralitharan, as well as Chinese teammates Jia Yifan and Li Wenmei in the quarterfinals. In the final, they faced top-seeded Korean duo Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee. The “Sheng-Tan” pair triumphed 21-18, 22-20, defeating their opponents again after a quarterfinal victory at the Olympics, securing their third title of the season. With their experience at the Olympics, the duo has become more mature and composed when facing difficult situations. Born in 2004 and 2003, respectively, Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning have not only maintained their aggressive playing style but have also developed greater synergy. In the Los Angeles cycle, they are expected to become the leaders of Chinese women’s doubles.
In mixed doubles, the “post-2000s” pairing of Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin, already ranked fifth in the world during the Paris cycle, missed out on the Paris Olympics due to the strong competition from Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong and Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping. However, in the Los Angeles cycle, they have naturally become the new hope for Chinese mixed doubles. At the Japan Open final, they comfortably defeated Hong Kong’s Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet 21-12, 21-12, securing their third World Tour title of the year. Notably, with this victory, their world ranking is set to rise to third, and the Chinese mixed doubles team now occupies the top three spots in the latest world rankings released this week.
In addition to Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning and Jiang Zhenbang/Wei Yaxin, many young players also made appearances in these two tournaments. In women’s doubles, Olympic champion Jia Yifan partnered with Li Wenmei at the Japan Open. Newly formed pairings, Kong Xianying/Zhang Shuxian, and Li Yijing/Luo Xumin, also competed at both the Japan and Korea Opens. In men’s doubles, post-2000s pairings such as Xie Haonan/Zeng Weihuan, Chen Boyang/Liu Yi, as well as newcomers Huang Di/Zhou Haodong, made their debut at the Korea Open. Besides Jiang Zhenbang/Wei Yaxin, young mixed doubles teams like Cheng Xing/Zhang Chi, Guo Xinwa/Li Xi, and Zhou Zhihong/Yang Jiayi also tested their skills through match play, with hopes of developing better chemistry and deepening the talent pool for Chinese mixed doubles in the new cycle.
In singles, the Chinese team has yet to see any standout newcomers in these two tournaments. However, the men’s singles scene in the global badminton world has witnessed a youth storm. 19-year-old French player Christo Popov Lanier emerged as the biggest dark horse at the Japan Open, defeating top players like sixth-seed Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia, Indonesia’s Shesar Hiren Rhustavito, Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto, and China’s top player Shi Yuqi to reach the final. In the final, Lanier faced Chou Tien-chen of Chinese Taipei, winning 21-17, 22-20 to claim the title, making him the biggest surprise of the first tournament in the new cycle.
Zheng Siwei recently shared several vlogs on his social media, mentioning that he has become an autograph machine since returning home. His parents and grandmother prepared many photos and clothes for him to sign.
While signing, Zheng Siwei said, “When I got home, my dad, mom, and grandma prepared so many clothes and photos to welcome me. The first thing I did was sign them.”
Zheng Siwei’s mother mentioned that relatives and friends are all his fans and that they all wanted his signed photos.
In another vlog, Zheng Siwei showed off two gold medals with special significance.
Hugging his grandmother, Zheng Siwei said to the camera, “Three years ago, Grandma made this pure gold medal herself to make up for my disappointment in the last Olympics. This time, I’m giving her this real Olympic gold medal as a reward, haha!”
Today, Zheng Siwei, along with the main team, visited Hong Kong as part of the Mainland Chinese Olympic delegation following the Paris Olympics.
After “clocking out” at the Paris Olympics, Zheng Siwei and Wang Chang’s self-made MV “Confession to Badminton” went viral on social media. Zheng Siwei’s activities outside of badminton have also garnered significant attention.
Netizens jokingly commented on his singing and badminton skills. Zheng Siwei laughed, acknowledging his badminton skills but saying his singing is just for fun. It is known that Zheng Siwei has a good relationship with Hong Kong singer Hacken Lee, and they often interact online. After he finished as a runner-up in the Tokyo Olympics, Hacken Lee even traveled to Hangzhou to comfort the “Zheng-Huang” duo. On August 29, Zheng Siwei visited Hong Kong with the Mainland Chinese Olympic delegation from the Paris Olympics.
Zheng Siwei is the first Paris Olympic champion to return to Wenzhou. He remarked that while Wenzhou athletes won two silver medals at the Tokyo Olympics, this time they took home three golds, two silvers, and one bronze, saying, “Wenzhou athletes are incredibly impressive!”
Discussing the future goals of the “Zheng-Huang” duo after achieving the Grand Slam, Zheng Siwei told reporters that his next major competition will be the 2024 BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou at the end of this year. He also confirmed participation in next year’s National Games, saying, “That’s all I can reveal for now.” As for the Los Angeles Olympics, it remains uncertain.
Zheng Siwei also discussed his future career path, revealing plans to gradually reduce his participation in international competitions, with the 2024 BWF World Tour Finals being the only event he will compete in this year.
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.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, China’s mixed doubles pair, Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong, secured the gold medal by defeating the Korean duo, Kim Won-ho and Jeong Na-eun, with a 2-0 victory. With this win, Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong have now achieved a career Grand Slam.
During the flight back home, Zheng Siwei penned a heartfelt essay of nearly 2,000 words, expressing gratitude to everyone who supported them along the way. His partner, Huang Yaqiong, praised him for his thoughtful gesture.
Zheng Siwei commented, “I believe that both of us were in our best condition during the match. Before the game, our psychologist told us that the best state on the court is a balanced one—not too intense, nor too calm. The middle range is the optimal zone, and I believe we both were in that ideal state during this match.”
“We are champions! We are champions! We are champions!” At 10:53 PM, thunderous cheers erupted in the tiered classroom of Wenzhou Sports School (referred to as Wenzhou Sports Academy). In the mixed doubles badminton final at the Paris Olympics, the Chinese duo Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong defeated the South Korean pair to claim the gold medal. Zheng Siwei, a former student of Wenzhou Sports Academy, secured their fourth medal of this Olympics for the school.
In the evening, the entire tiered classroom was packed! The rhythmic drumbeats stirred the atmosphere. Everyone waved their national flags, cheering for China and Zheng Siwei.
“Kill! Kill! Kill!” Every smash by Zheng Siwei triggered spontaneous cheers from the audience. Despite the air conditioning, the excitement was palpable.
First game: 21-8 Second game: 21-11
Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong, the “YaSi” pair, easily defeated the Korean team.
“Not satisfying enough, it was too quick. The Chinese team is too strong. Zheng Siwei is our pride!” said a teacher.
Chen Rong, the badminton coach from Wenzhou Sports School who mentored Zheng Siwei, was away coaching at the match but did not miss his protege’s triumph. He rushed back to the hotel to watch the match. “I’ve been with him since he was in preschool, teaching him badminton until third grade. I’ve seen him grow up,” said Chen Rong. He recalled Zheng Siwei as a spirited child from an early age. “Teaching certain badminton techniques often requires repeated instruction, usually around ten times, but Zheng Siwei understood after just three or four times, mastering them very quickly.”
He shared three treasured photos from those early years. “Training was tough, and parents were always concerned, so I took them to Nanji Island for relaxation. Now, that child has grown up to become an Olympic champion. I am truly proud of him.”
After the match, Zheng Siwei admitted in an interview with CCTV that he had often imagined winning a gold medal countless times, but upon actually achieving it, he found himself speechless. This victory marks Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong’s first Olympic gold together, despite their previous dominance in various competitions. Today, their dreams have come true.
As Huang Yaqiong said, “This summer couldn’t be more fulfilling.”
Principal Han Baobin of Wenzhou Sports School remarked, “Our school has already produced athletes who have secured two golds, one silver, and one bronze in this Olympics. Whether in competition or support, we are always there! This is our fourth collective viewing event of this Olympics, and each time, we’ve added medals to our collection. Here’s hoping we can wait together for the next gold medal next time!”
