[Saba Sports News] Recently, Lin Dan, Olympic badminton champion, returned to his birthplace Longyan to attend lectures and exchange activities held by Longyan University, drawing over 2,000 students. During the event, he shared his journey from setbacks to success and played exhibition matches with students to promote the sports spirit. Students of the university also painted several portraits capturing the highlights of Lin Dan’s career.
Since his retirement, Lin Dan has long cared about the development of sports, especially badminton, in his hometown, and has repeatedly donated funds and supplies to Longyan University. In recognition of his contributions, he has been appointed a Visiting Professor at the university. As a honorary title, the position comes with corresponding obligations. Appointees are expected to serve the university, typically by delivering academic lectures or conducting joint research.
Towards the end of the event, student representatives sang Dynamic Battle, a song originally performed by Lin Dan. He recorded this theme song for the 2012 “Badminton Challenge” City Badminton Tournament together with Zhou Xiao’ou, former lead singer of the Zero Band. One line of the lyrics goes: “Wave our resolute hands, strive all the way to the final triumph.” Lin Dan said these words convey his sincere wishes to the students.
In my opinion, Lin Dan’s appointment as Visiting Professor at Longyan University sets a fine example of retired sports elites giving back to local education. The role focuses on passing down the sports spirit, rather than offering official positions or salaries, and does not involve faculty establishment or administrative authority.