Chinese dominance of Badminton – Badminton Feature – Part 2
Taking five gold medals during the 2012 London Olympics is no easy feat when you have to go up against some of the top badminton players from around the World. The Chinese badminton players dominated throughout.
China’s brilliant female badminton player Yunlei Zhao managed to win two gold medals in the Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles category. The ever powerful and dynamic Lin Dan of China took top honours with a gold medal in Men’s Singles category with compatriot
Chen Long taking the bronze. The Men’s Doubles gold was taken by China’s Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng. Not to mention the Women’s Singles gold was won by China’s Li Xuerui as the silver medal went to compatriot Wang Yihan.
Just glancing at this impressive list clearly shows how dominant China is in the sport of badminton. This also brings us to another key element in the country’s outright dominance in the sport as many people in China not only play badminton but they also
follow it. Most badminton tournaments are shown on television in China and as one can imagine, millions are tuning in to watch their favourite players take to court.
The top Chinese badminton players are household names throughout the country. Young players look up these players and often want to follow in their footsteps. Achieving fame, fortune and glory is another very strong motivational factor for the younger players.
Also, the chance to represent their country and be respected as well as honoured by others is a powerful emotional element driving the young Chinese players to excellence.
As you combine all the factors together it becomes very clear as to how China dominates badminton. Many countries are now looking at China’s model of producing top quality badminton players. Countries like India are now beginning to see some of their players
start to climb in the rankings as they have strengthened their domestic program and are now taking the aspects of training and coaching more seriously.
However, it is very unlikely that any other country will put so much support and dedication into their badminton programs. Most countries do not have the immense financial resources like China to put into their badminton development.
Only until other countries begin to develop other methods to support badminton will we begin to see a more competitive International arena. New domestic leagues are needed throughout various badminton playing countries to identify and train new talent coming
at the grassroots level.
Most fans often wonder if China’s dominance in badminton could hurt the sport as a whole. When one country dominates, viewership can often drop as the outcome of many tournaments is just played amongst the Chinese players. Although China has a great system
of nurturing their badminton players and has the ability to produce some great players, it will not be long before other countries like South Korea and India start to catch up. How long it will take is anybody’s guess but one thing is for sure and that is
to dethrone China from the top of badminton will take some serious effort.
Regardless of whichever country dominates badminton, the main point is that the sport takes centre stage as popularity around World will start to build, drawing new fans and quite possibly new players that can compete at the same level as China.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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