Source:REUTERS/ VCG
[Saba Sports News] As the 2026 Chinese New Year approaches, Chinese badminton legend Lin Dan chose not to return to his hometown. Instead, he traveled with his wife and son to Valencia, Spain, to celebrate. The reason they did not stay in China was that their son’s tennis training program could not be paused. Lin Dan’s son is currently undergoing professional tennis training in Spain, and his schedule remained fully packed during the Spring Festival, with high-intensity daily training sessions. Since there is no Spring Festival holiday in Spain, the training naturally continued without interruption.
As a father, Lin Dan took on the role of an ordinary parent accompanying his child to training. He stayed by the court every day, watching his son train with gentle eyes. During breaks, he would help pick up balls, hand over water, and offer guidance based on his own sports experience, incorporating essentials from badminton training—such as footwork and explosive power—into his son’s tennis practice.
Although far from home in a foreign land, the Lin family did not let the Spring Festival feel lonely. Instead, they embraced the festive spirit wholeheartedly. Their villa was adorned with traditional Chinese “Fu” characters and paper-cuttings, blending Chinese decorations with the local architectural style—a mix of exotic flair and strong Chinese New Year atmosphere.
In our view, the transformation from a world champion who dominated the badminton court to a devoted father carefully accompanying his child reveals a heartwarming side of Lin Dan that is seldom seen. No longer focused on wins and losses on the court, he now dedicates himself to his family, wholeheartedly supporting his child’s growth. This paternal love carries more weight than any championship trophy.