Source:REUTERS/Ann Wang
[Saba Sports News] Previously, many fans speculated that badminton world champion Chae Yu Jung would remain in South Korea to coach after retiring, but the outcome surprised them. On January 4, Chae Yu Jung announced that she would join her mixed doubles competitor Zheng Siwei, taking on the role of international coach at the badminton school he founded.
In fact, the story of Chae Yu Jung and Zheng Siwei is not a “spur-of-the-moment” crossover but rather a deep-rooted connection forged over time. For fans familiar with the mixed doubles scene, the clashes between Chae Yu Jung/Seo Seung Jae and Zheng Siwei/Huang Yaqiong were highlights of many major tournaments. In September 2023, Chae Yu Jung, partnering with Seo Seung Jae, won the mixed doubles championship at the China Open 1000 event, where the Yaqiong and Siwei duo came to congratulate them. At the 2025 Sudirman Cup, Zheng Siwei even gifted his own brand T-shirt to Chae Yu Jung.
From my perspective, Chae Yu Jung’s joining of Zheng Siwei’s international badminton base goes beyond the superficial meaning of “rivals becoming colleagues.” It represents a bilateral integration of badminton techniques between China and Korea and is a fresh attempt for retired players transitioning into new roles. With the collaboration of Chae Yu Jung and Zheng Siwei, I believe Zheng’s badminton base will become a platform for international technical exchange.