Source: Sipa USA/SOPA Images
[Saba Sports News] Badminton racket prices have always rollercoastered with the performance of star players. Behind this lies not just market frenzy, but also the erosion of sports spirit by fan culture. After the thrilling “Dragon vs Rooster” battle at the 2021 All England Open, where Lee Zii Jia defeated Viktor Axelsen in a nail-biting 30-point extra game, he shot to fame, and the price of the racket he used immediately soared. However, when he subsequently suffered a defeat with a single-digit low score in a match, the price of the same racket plummeted. What should ultimately determine a racket’s value? An awkward reality in today’s badminton circle is that a racket’s performance and feel are no longer the sole factors determining its price. The fluctuating results of star players directly dictate the market value of their equipment, a logic identical to celebrity endorsements in the entertainment industry. This rampant fan culture effect not only impacts racket prices but also influences how players choose their gear. Many fans blindly purchase rackets endorsed by their favorite stars solely based on that admiration, without considering whether the racket actually suits them. A racket’s value should be determined by its performance, feel, and suitability for the player, not by the results of the star using it. Choosing a racket should involve considering one’s own skill level, playing style, and physical condition, not blindly chasing after the same model as a star.