[Saba Sports News] Chinese badminton mixed doubles world champion Huang Yaqiong opened a badminton gym in her hometown of Longyou County, Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province, sparking excitement among fans. At the opening ceremony, Huang became emotional as she faced the land that nurtured her and the locals who watched her grow up. She candidly stated that badminton has given her everything, allowing her to reach the pinnacle of the world, but more importantly, the sport has taught her the value of health and a positive mindset. Now, she wishes to wholeheartedly give back her passion and insights to her hometown.
From world champion to gym founder, Huang’s identity is evolving, but her pure love for badminton remains unchanged. She is no longer just an athlete representing her country; she has transformed into a “gardener” sowing the seeds of sport. Just after opening, her gym immediately showcased the so-called “champion effect.” Some netizens revealed that fans wanting to book a session are already scheduled for a week later.
This “champion opening trend” has quietly emerged within Chinese badminton, with each star having their own “secret formula.” For instance, Huang’s former partner Zheng Siwei runs a gym that emphasizes “scarcity,” with the biggest selling point being that he will periodically visit in person to offer guidance to fans.