How Chinese badminton team fueled Olympic hopes with Cup wins

Chinese badminton player Shi Yuqi Photo:IC

The Chinese badminton team's triumph at the Thomas and Uber Cup finals on Sunday in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, is a testament to their enduring dominance after bouncing back from the bitter years that came after 2018. Now standing atop the podium, they have not only reclaimed their past glory but also set their sights firmly on the upcoming Paris Olympics with a blend of confidence and determination.

The Thomas and Uber Cup finals showcased the formidable prowess of the Chinese badminton team, as they vanquished opponents with a blend of skill, strategy and unwavering resolve. Thomas Lund, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) secretary-general, also noted to the Global Times that Team China players consistently perform well at the elite level and always provide strong competition for their opponents.

In the Thomas Cup, the men's team - led by the national badminton team captain Shi Yuqi, currently the men's singles world No.2 - demonstrated their mettle by overcoming badminton powerhouses, including India, Malaysia and Indonesia, to secure the championship after a six-year hiatus. Shi's stellar performance of winning all his matches, characterized by his resilience and composure under pressure, exemplified the team's spirit and determination.

Meanwhile, in the Uber Cup, the women's team delivered a masterclass in dominance, culminating in a flawless victory over Indonesia in the finals. Spearheaded by the formidable women's singles world No.2 Chen Yufei and supported by the likes of He Bingjiao, the women's team showcased their depth and talent on the international stage. 

Chen's stellar performance as the team's leading singles player not only secured crucial victories but also inspired her teammates with her unwavering focus and determination.

As the Chinese badminton team basks in the glory of their triumph at the Thomas and Uber Cup finals, their focus now shifts to the upcoming Paris Olympics with a sense of purpose and ambition. For athletes like Shi and Chen, the Olympic Games represent an opportunity to cement their legacy in the sport.

For Chen, the journey to Paris is marked by a determination to overcome setbacks. Despite facing injury concerns in recent years, Chen's resilience has been unwavering, as she continues to strive for excellence. With a gold medal from the Uber Cup in hand, Chen's sights on Paris is driven by a desire to compete at her best and savor the experience of representing her country on the Olympic stage.

Similarly, for Shi, the Games represent an opportunity to showcase his ability to compete against the best players in the world. As he navigates the challenges of elite competition, Shi remains focused on channeling his energy into his performances. 

In the doubles category, the Chinese badminton team also showcased formidable strength and resilience, with pairs like Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan in the women's doubles and Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang in the men's competition, proving their mettle on the court. They demonstrated unwavering determination and skill that inspired other teammates to clinch victories. 

For the Chen-Jia pair, current world No.1, their journey to the Games represents an opportunity to redeem themselves and reclaim their status as champions, after a bitter final defeat at the Tokyo Games in 2021. As they prepare to compete against the world's best doubles players for a prestigious Olympic gold medal, they are now focused on strengthening their partnership, determined to leave a mark on the Olympic stage.

Similarly, for the Liang-Wang pair, the Paris Games offer a chance to showcase their potential. As rising stars in the doubles category, they said they desire to contribute to the success of the Chinese badminton team. 

With their recent performances at the Thomas and Uber Cup finals serving as a springboard for success, the Chinese players are poised to make a significant impact in Paris. Whether it's the singles' players striving for success or mixed pairs players like Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong, they embody the spirit of teamwork and determination that defines the Chinese badminton team. 

With the team's recent triumph at the Thomas and Uber Cup finals serving as a source of inspiration and motivation, they are poised to make their mark on the world stage once again. As they prepare to represent their country on the Olympic stage, they do so with unity and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. [email protected]