Who said what in and around the badminton world over the past week?
FROM YONEX GERMAN OPEN 2023
“Thank you German Open. All England, we are coming.”
Huang Dong Ping after she and Feng Yan Zhe won their third title in as many tournaments this year.
“I always enjoy the German Open because I perform well in this hall and could win this title for the fourth time now. Very happy about this week.”
Akane Yamaguchi, now a winner at four of the last five editions.
“It’s good to finally win after losing twice with my sister!”
Women’s doubles champion Baek Ha Na elated following losses at Denmark Open 2022 and Thailand Masters 2023 finals with Lee So Hee.
“It’s been three years for me to grab a title. I can’t use words to describe my feelings now but I’m happy.”
Ng Ka Long Angus on winning his first event since the 2020 Thailand Masters.
“Being faithful to our respective roles.”
Kim Won Ho on what helped him and Choi Sol Gyu succeed in men’s doubles.
“We may play them again next week. So we will watch this match and find ways to be better. We want to win.”
Nami Matsuyama already looking forward to a potential second round rematch with Baek-Lee at All England.
FROM ELSEWHERE
“I came across Carolina Marin and Nozomi Okuhara, Olympic gold medallist and world champions, and despite all these years of ups and downs, they are still playing because of their passion for badminton. For me, it was pressure and responsibility and that’s why I had to change my attitude.”
Chen Yu Fei on an eye-opening experience at Malaysia Open in January.
“While we love playing around the world, All England is the best. It’s the reason I play badminton – that home crowd feeling is one you don’t get too often.”
Marcus Ellis glad his first HSBC BWF World Tour tournament after seven months out is his favourite of all. Story here.
“I see lots of students who have talent and are interested in badminton, but they need to be trained by good coaches to reach the world stage. Bangladesh can do well with proper guidance.”
Chong Ming Chan after conducting a coaching clinic in Dhaka.
“The objective is clear: get that gold medal in Paris.”
Marin, back from two career-threatening knee injuries, still determined to conquer the Olympic stage.
“We have a long-term approach and are looking 10 years into the future. It’s about what’s happening at the Olympics in 2028 and 2032 as well.”
Badminton England performance director Morten Frost is not only looking at results at Paris 2024.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
“There was a specific gender role you had to fulfil as an Asian female and that didn’t involve sports. I never felt that pressure from my mum and I’m fortunate she allowed me to do what I love.”
Australia coach and former player Leanne Choo credits her mother as her pillar of strength.
“Unsurprisingly, badminton is the universal recipe for lasting happiness.”
Read Monika Radovska’s story here.
“Sports help young women be strong. It directs you to follow your passion and work hard, stay calm and never give up.
Read Haendel Ling’s story here.
“Badminton has given me great satisfaction. Learning mainly about perseverance, discipline, affection for the family and building great bonds of friendship.”
Former Mexican Olympian Victoria Montero on how her career allowed her to pick up valuable life lessons.
BWF Newsletter
