Source:REUTERS/Michaela Stache
[Saba Sports News] The 15th National Games of China are in full swing. A poignant moment unfolded on the badminton court as three Chinese badminton world champions – He Bingjiao, Chen Qingchen, and Tan Qiang – said their goodbyes on the same day, sparking discussions among fans and media. The 28-year-old Chen Qingchen, representing Guangdong Province in the mixed doubles event, was eliminated in the round of 16 alongside her partner Cheng Xing. In a post-match interview, Chen Qingchen stated that this was the final match of her career. He Bingjiao, who won the women’s singles silver medal in badminton at last year’s Paris Olympics, had already applied to retire from international competitions. At the National Games, He Bingjiao faced Chen Yufei in the second round of the women’s singles and lost. After the match, He Bingjiao tearfully kissed the court. The 27-year-old Tan Qiang, a doubles player for the Chinese national team, once helped China win the Sudirman Cup. At these National Games, Tan Qiang represented Anhui Province in both the mixed doubles and men’s doubles events. Unfortunately, he failed to win a medal in either, marking the official end of his playing career. It is reported that Tan Qiang is currently coaching in Anhui and will focus on teaching moving forward. In our view, it is truly bittersweet to see three world champions bid farewell on the same day. However, for the future of Chinese badminton, they must step aside to give younger players more opportunities to gain experience.