The city of Yinchuan pulsed with an electric energy last weekend as the “Legends’ Vision World Tour” landed, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of approximately 5,500 badminton aficionados to the Ningxia Gymnasium. The two-day spectacle marked a momentous return to Chinese soil for the tour after a decade, bringing five iconic figures of the sport – Lin Dan, Peter Gade, Taufik Hidayat, Lee Yong-dae, and Carolina Marín – to the heart of northwest China, aiming to spark the dreams of a new generation of players.
The inspirational journey continued on Sunday as the legends ventured into the local community, visiting Yuehai Primary School. There, they engaged directly with young badminton players, offering invaluable hands-on coaching. The young enthusiasts were clearly moved by the experience, expressing that the legends’ guidance had provided significant benefits and fueled their determination to train harder in pursuit of their badminton aspirations.
Reflecting on the experience of playing alongside a legend, fifth-grader Nan Zexi exclaimed, “I’m thrilled to play with them. Lin has stable footwork. I’ll work hard to improve my coordination.”
The event’s opening day saw a thrilling exhibition match pitting Team Black, led by Olympic champions Lin Dan and Lee Yong-dae, against Team Gold, captained by Indonesian maestro Taufik Hidayat, Danish legend Peter Gade, and Spanish powerhouse Carolina Marín. Adding to the excitement, talented local youngsters also participated in the match, their impressive skills igniting cheers and applause from the captivated audience. Beyond the captivating competition, the legends generously shared their deep knowledge of badminton techniques and strategies, underscoring their commitment to nurturing the future stars of the sport.
During a thoughtful discussion, Lin Dan voiced his deep pride in the remarkable achievements of Chinese badminton over the past two decades. Taufik Hidayat, the Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Badminton Association, lauded the event for its unique ability to unite a broader community of badminton enthusiasts, expressing his belief that such gatherings foster an environment highly conducive to the growth of young athletes and the overall advancement of the sport.
Peter Gade, a long-time advocate for talent development, stressed the critical need for sustained and systematic training programs. He pointed out the growing recognition in many European nations of the importance of strong infrastructure and well-structured talent cultivation for the long-term success of badminton. Carolina Marín, an inspiring figure for female athletes worldwide, voiced her hope that her journey would motivate more young girls in Spain and across the globe to embrace badminton and chase their athletic dreams.
A highlight of the event was a lively interaction between a group of young, aspiring reporters and the legends. The children posed insightful yet playful questions, demonstrating the profound impact the legends have on young minds. In a moment that captured the spirit of the event, one child boldly challenged Taufik, declaring, “I may be able to beat you after training!” This light-hearted exchange drew laughter and enthusiastic applause, perfectly illustrating how the legends’ presence can ignite passion and ambition in budding athletes.
Since its inception in 2015, the “Legends’ Vision World Tour” has played a significant role in promoting badminton globally, inspiring countless badminton lovers around the world. This electrifying stop in Yinchuan undoubtedly adds another vibrant chapter to its ongoing legacy.