Korean badminton star An Se-young made a heartfelt and emotional return to the court on October 9, following her historic win at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Competing at the 105th National Sports Festival in Korea, An couldn’t hold back her tears as she reflected on her journey back to the sport after a two-month break. The 22-year-old player from Busan played her first match since the Olympics in front of a supportive home crowd, defeating Shim Yu-jin in the women’s team event.
In her return match, An displayed both skill and grace, leading her team to victory while simultaneously capturing the hearts of fans. The crowd at Miryang Badminton Stadium erupted with loud cheers as the star player encouraged them with raised arms after her win. Despite the bright energy she projected on the court, An became overwhelmed with emotion when asked about her love for badminton.
“It was so upsetting, but I’m glad I could come back successfully,” An shared in a post-match interview, wiping away tears as she expressed her gratitude to the fans who had eagerly awaited her return. “It was my first match since the Olympics, and I was so happy that many people still remembered and cheered for me.”
The gold medalist had taken time off following her triumph in Paris, during which she openly criticized the Badminton Korea Association and its management system. Her bold comments stirred discussions in Korea’s sports community, prompting calls for reform to eliminate outdated practices. However, when asked whether she noticed any significant changes, An cautiously replied, “I have nothing to say.”
An’s break had led to a drop in her world ranking from No. 1 to No. 2, but the champion took this in stride. “I’ve achieved my dream, so I thought it was okay to enjoy myself a bit,” she said with confidence. “If I continue to enjoy playing badminton, I believe I’ll reach No. 1 again.”
An also reflected on her time off, noting how it was vital to her recovery. “I was really exhausted preparing for the Olympics without any break, but I’ve rested well. My physical condition has improved, and I feel like I’m at about 70 to 80 percent of my best form now.” She now looks forward to representing Korea once again at the Denmark Open on October 15.
The 22-year-old’s return wasn’t just a victory on the court but also a powerful statement of resilience. Her vulnerability, shown through tears and candid words, resonated with the crowd, many of whom chanted “Don’t cry” to encourage her. In response, An promised to keep delivering her best performances, saying, “I’ll continue to show you my best, so please keep cheering for me.”
An Se-young’s journey back to badminton highlights her determination, mental strength, and deep connection with her fans. Despite the challenges and emotions that come with being in the spotlight, she remains focused on enjoying the game and pursuing excellence. As she prepares for her next challenge in Denmark, fans eagerly await to see what the future holds for this inspiring athlete.
