Source: Oriental Image/Zheng Hongliang
[Saba Sports News] The 2025 All England Badminton Open has concluded. In mixed doubles, the Chinese team had three pairs—Guo Xinwa/Chen Fanghui, Jiang Zhenbang/Huang Dongping, and Feng Yanzhe/Wei Yaxin—reaching the semifinals, continuing to defend China’s dominant position in this category. After unexpectedly losing the mixed doubles gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, there was a significant reshuffle in both coaches and players within the Chinese mixed doubles team. The previously lesser-known Yang Ming was entrusted with this responsibility, taking over as the head coach of the mixed doubles team in January 2018. After assuming his role, Yang Ming implemented sweeping reforms, resulting in the strong partnership of Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong. However, Yang Ming was not satisfied with just this combination; he also dedicated efforts to develop the pair of Wang Yilu and Huang Dongping, creating a “double insurance” for the Chinese team in mixed doubles competitions. Over the past eight years, the Chinese badminton team has remained the strongest in mixed doubles, winning all championships. Yang Ming is undoubtedly the most low-profile unsung hero of the Chinese badminton team.