Olympic champions Zheng Siwei (right) and Huang Yaqiong retired from international duty at the BWF Tour Finals. XINHUA
As the BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, wrapped up in December, China's badminton team ended a successful 2024 season with three golds and one silver. The year, marked by both triumphs and challenges, set the stage for the new Olympic cycle.
The Badminton World Federation also announced its annual awards in Hangzhou, with Chinese athletes topping four categories. Shi Yuqi was named best men's singles player, while the pairs Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang (men's), Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning (women's), and Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping (mixed) won all the doubles categories, highlighting China's dominance.
The past year saw China's squad deliver strong performances, including gold medals in mixed and women's doubles at the Paris Olympics. However, there were also setbacks, such as Shi's early exit in men's singles.
Despite these challenges, the team celebrated victories in the Thomas and Uber Cups, while also addressing concerns over the development of younger players.
Xia Xuanze, head coach of the Chinese badminton team's singles players, reflected on the year's successes and areas for improvement.
"We met our Olympic goals, but in the new cycle, we'll focus more on nurturing young talent," he told China Sports Daily.
At the World Tour Finals, China's singles players dominated, sweeping both the men's and women's titles. Wang Zhiyi, 24, claimed her first World Tour Finals women's singles title on her debut, marking China's first such win since 2019.
Wang also took the women's singles crown at the China Open, ending a nine-year title drought in the Super 1000 event.
Reflecting on her year, Wang said, "I've been reviewing my strengths and weaknesses, and hope to grow stronger in 2025 to take on more responsibility for the team."
Despite these breakthroughs, Xia acknowledged that the depth of China's women's singles needs further development. "We need to invest more in young players, like the world junior champion Xu Wenjing and Yin Yiqing, and integrate them into the global competition system," he added.
Shi claimed his second BWF World Tour Finals title, six years after his first, marking a first victory since his disappointing exit at the Paris Olympics. Xia acknowledged the challenges Shi faced after missing out on the Olympic semifinals, but noted significant improvements in his recent performances.
After missing out on the Olympic podium, world No 1 Shi Yuqi has shown significant improvement in his recent performances. XINHUA
Reflecting on Shi's Paris performance, Xia explained that the coaching team has been evaluating their preparation strategy, identifying strengths and addressing weaknesses.
"We're focused on refining our approach for the Los Angeles Olympics, aiming for a strong showing in men's singles. The process will be gradual, and may involve setbacks, but our goal is clear — to continue improving and ultimately succeed," Xia added.
At the BWF World Tour Finals, Olympic champions Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong, the Chinese national team's long-standing mixed doubles duo, concluded their international careers with a golden farewell by beating Malaysia's Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei in the final, marking the end of a seven-year partnership.
Chinese badminton icon Cai Yun praised the duo, noting that "by facing their last event with such commitment, they've not only concluded their careers on a high note, but also set a powerful example for younger players".
Zheng, who announced his retirement via Weibo in late November, revealed that the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou would be his final international competition.
"We've constantly pushed ourselves, broken records and overcome challenges," Zheng wrote.
"Despite facing doubts and setbacks, we never stopped. Ultimately, we achieved the Grand Slam!" The 27-year-old, a father of two, shared that he plans to explore new ventures and seek a better work-life balance.
Zheng is not the only athlete stepping away from the international stage after the Paris Olympics. Liu Yuchen, Ou Xuanyi and Tan Qiang have all announced their retirement. In December, 27-year-old Zhang Yiman also announced her departure from the national team via Weibo.
Looking ahead, Xia emphasized the team's focus is on developing young talent during the new Olympic cycle.
More young players will be sent to compete internationally, and China will host additional international events to provide more opportunities for emerging athletes.
"With no Olympic points at stake in 2025, our top athletes will focus on effective training and competition to ensure a healthy balance," Xia said.
