The Developing of Badminton

In Indonesia, Badminton has become very popular and a large number of people play from childhood. Throughout the country people can be observed participating morning, noon and night. For this reason, many world class players emerge from Indonesia Since 1958, Indonesian players have won almost all the world Badminton Championships, in the men's team, men's singles, and doubles.The Indonesian team is technically skillful, and also benefits from international competition experience.

In its earliest stages in China, Badminton was a sport for a mere handful of the population. Now, however, it is developing rapidly. The success of the sport in China is due to government support, the coaches' efforts, and the dedication of the players. In the mid-1960's, there were outstanding players: Hou Jiachiang, Tang Shien hu and Chen Yuniang, and others. The Chinese team beat world-ranked teams such as Indonesia and Denmark. Since then, the Chinese team has attracted attention and much praise from the international Badminton world.The level of skill of the Chinese players is now considered almost as high as that of other countries. The Chinese players are especially renowned for their rapid movements, quick reactions and determination. In particular, one of their most effective pions is that they make full use of clear attack, especially the jumping of the over head smash.

Badminton has become one of the most popular sports in China. People can be seen playing Badminton everywhere - in factories, various kinds of institutions, at school and in parks.

Before the fifties, Europe assumed domination of the world Badminton circles. Then, Malaysia and Indonesia successfully surpassed the European teams.

When the IBF and WBF publicly became one Federation in May, 1981, the Chinese Badminton team formally reached the stage of the Thomas Cup, the Uber Cup and the All England Championship. It has changed the original face of the International Badminton Champion­ship as a result.

The Thomas Cup and Uber Cup have both men and women team tournaments, which are the most important contests in the world.

The Thomas Cup has been held since 1949, on fourteen occasions. In this event, Malaysia had won the Championships four times, Indonesia eight, and China two. In 1982, the men's team of China participated for the first time in the Thomas Cup and captured it, defeating the seven-time Thomas Cup title holder, Indonesia, by a score of 5-4. Also, in 1984 and 1986, the women's team of China competed twice for the Uber Cup and defeated almost all of their opponents 5-0 becoming the Champions. Furthermore, since joining the first All England Championships in 1982, the Chinese players have won almost all of their games in the singles and doubles. Most of the final contests were among the Chinese players themselves to compete for supremacy.

At present, the strongest teams in the world include China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Denmark, England, South Korea and Japan. Except the women's team of China has a few superiors, and the others seem to be at about the same level of skill, it would be very difficult or impossible for anyone to become a repeat champion in the Thomas Cup or the All England Badminton Championship.

With playing standards continuously improving in competitions,the players not only have to have individual abilities, but also must be in good physical condition, and have a stubborn will to enable them to have a good chance of winning.

Mexican Badminton teams have a long history. In recent years, due to their favourable climate, and an abundance of Badminton courts, they have achieved a comparatively high level. If they have more good systematic training, I think they will become one of the stronger teams in the world.

The team of Nigeria, which has won the All Africa Badminton Championship for many years is advancing rapidly and developing popularly. At present, there are more than ten teams throughout their country. And, if they have no equipment shortages, the Nigerians cannot be ignored, too.

Therefore, in order to make the sport of Badminton much more popular in the world, it is important that the IBF pay attention to Latin America, and Africa. Perhaps an offer of equipment, such as rackets, and shuttlecocks, etc., as well as technical help, will help increase the interest in Badminton in these developing areas.

Since 1977, I have been to Mexico, Nigeria and Argentina for coaching.

  --  By Yang Chen Xiang, Badminton Coach of China - World Badminton, March 1987