Is there any end of China’s dominance in international badminton? – Badminton Feature - Part 2
Men’s Singles and Doubles flanks in 2012 London Olympics were completely dominated by the Chinese campaigners as they raised their country’s flag by winning gold medals in both categories. They, once again, proved that there is only one powerhouse of badminton
in the world and that is China.
World Number one Men’s Singles maestro Lin Dan claimed the throne whereas the top ranked couple Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng emerged as champion in Doubles challenge. They successfully stamped their supremacy but also made this badminton crazy nation to think that
will there be eligible campaigners to continue such a splendid history in future events.
As far as Men’s Doubles department is concerned, reigning Olympic champions Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng may not be able to represent country in the next edition of the mega event as they are expected to call it day before 2016.
However, they will shoulder their responsibility for the next couple of years which means China has a strong line-up until 2014 Asian Games and Commonwealth Games but what will happen after these prestigious team events? Will they lose their current status
in the arena?
The answer is “No” as they have developed strong back up squad over the years and with their unique central coaching and training programmes they have produced many potential pairs.
Men’s Doubles experts Chai Biao-Guo Zhendong and Hong Wei-Shen Ye, currently hold sixth and 11th position in world ranking respectively and are the most prominent examples.
The 21-year-old Chai Biao has proved his mettle by joining hands with his senior partner Guo Zhendong as they powered their way in many BWF Super Series Finals over the last two years. They also surged in quarter-finals of London Games where the top seeded
compatriot duo put their expedition to halt.
Meanwhile, Hong Wei and Shen Ye are continuously showing elevation in their craft and these youngsters have proved themselves the eligible candidates to continue their seniors’ legacy.
Similarly, China is ruling Men’s Singles department as its ace Lin Dan holds World and Olympic champion titles. The badminton king has undoubtedly become a living legend as he is the only shuttler to complete a “Grand Slam” in history of the game.
The 28-year-old maestro Lin Dan has given indications that he may hang up his racket in next couple of years which automatically generates a question that what will happen to Chinese dominancy after his departure.
So far, Chen Long, Du Pengyu and Wang Zhengming have emerged as his true successors but the former has more potential than the other two.
World Number three shuttler who is just 23-years-old has earned a respectable position in the arena despite of his short career. He proved his worth in 2012 edition of the Olympics where he fetched a bronze medal for the country.
Chen Long surpassed the legendary characters like Peter Hoeg Gade of Denmark and the Korean veteran Lee Hyun Il in his way to glory. Moreover, he also put a decent fight against Lee Chong Wei before losing to the eventual silver medallist of the Olympics.
With such outstanding performances in the mega event, these young campaigners have given a strong statement that they are all set to ensure their country’s dominance in the future and other countries will have to put extra effort to challenge China’s authority
in international circuit.
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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