Badminton legends Lee Yong-dae of South Korea and Chen Long of China have been honored with induction into the BWF Hall of Fame for 2024. This prestigious recognition will take place at the 2024 BWF World Tour Finals Gala Dinner on Monday, December 9, 2024.
Lee Yong-dae, renowned as one of the most talented doubles players in badminton history, captivated audiences with his versatile gameplay and charismatic presence on the court. At just 19, he secured an Olympic gold medal in mixed doubles, a feat that marked the beginning of a record-breaking career. With 46 Super Series/World Tour titles under his belt, Lee set a high standard in the doubles discipline. His unmatched defensive skills and delicate finesse at the net defined his playing style. Moreover, Lee’s leadership was pivotal in several South Korean victories, including the Asian Games men’s team gold medal in 2014.
Chen Long, affectionately called “The Great Wall of China,” played a central role during the golden era of Chinese badminton. Known for his exceptional performance under pressure, Chen emerged as one of China’s greatest men’s singles players. His illustrious career includes an Olympic gold medal from Rio 2016, a silver medal from Tokyo 2020, and a bronze from London 2012. Additionally, Chen claimed two BWF World Championships titles and 22 Super Series/World Tour titles.
Their induction into the BWF Hall of Fame not only acknowledges their remarkable achievements but also celebrates their enduring influence as icons and role models within the sport.
BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer stated, “Lee Yong-dae and Chen Long have set extraordinary benchmarks in our sport. Their achievements on and off the court have elevated badminton to new heights. We are proud to celebrate their legacies by inducting them into the BWF Hall of Fame.”
For fans eager to witness the celebrations, the BWF Hall of Fame Press Conference will be live-streamed on BWF TV, Facebook, and Weibo at 4 PM local time. The Gala Dinner, which will also host the BWF Player of the Year Awards, will be streamed separately.
