Source:EYEPRESS Images/F.L Wong
[Saba Sports News] After winning at last year’s National Games of China, Zheng Siwei completely set aside his identity as a professional player and embarked on a new life path. Recently, in an exclusive interview with reporters, Zheng talked at length about his experiences and plans after retirement. For Zheng, the challenge is transitioning from athlete to operator of a badminton training center — in his words, that requires the courage to step out of his “comfort zone.” In June last year, Zheng Siwei International Badminton Base was completed in Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou. Now, more than half a year on, youth training and high-level athlete programs are being carried out there in an orderly way.Zheng revealed that since starting the business, every day has brought brand-new challenges: negotiations and communications, seeking partnerships, internal company management, launching new lines of business — every task requires learning entirely new knowledge, which places very high demands on his learning efficiency. He is fairly satisfied with the development of the badminton base over the past six months, but in planning for the future he undoubtedly hopes to achieve even more. Zheng said he currently feels very passionate and motivated — a great state that keeps pushing him to grow.
The editor believes Zheng’s smooth transition from “champion on the court” to “entrepreneur in life” is one of the most commendable aspects of his life plan. His transformation offers a new model for retired badminton players beyond coaching, and is especially inspiring for sports–education integration and the sports-consumption sector.