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Will the “sexy player image” work for badminton players?

Think about tennis players. What comes to mind?  Now think about badminton players  – what comes to mind? 

When most people think about tennis players, a vision of players with distinct characteristics or personalities comes to mind. Some beautiful, yes – even sexy. Others, because they have cultivated a certain image; “the mad man”, “the screamer”, “the gentleman” etc. 

Thinking about badminton players, people know the names of the top players. But when it comes to their personalities, it is difficult to differentiate – generally speaking. They are all so very nicely behaved. In fact, the majority behave in a very conservative manner. Just like tennis and golf players decades ago. 

the popularity of a sport and its players relies on many factors. One important factor has to do with the personality of the athletes

Asian badminton player

As mentioned, the sport of tennis is loaded with personalities who stand out. Some are known for their temperament (John McEnroe), others for their external beauty or sexy image (Chris Evert, Anna Kournikova, and many more). Others are known for their kind and gentle demeanor (Roger Federer).  We’re sure you can think of many more tennis players with distinct personalities. 

Unfiltered personalities: Smashing racquets is part of the drama of tennis. Think of it what you like, but seeing a player smash one or several racquets, is – let’s say – interesting. Such a blunt show of emotions hardly ever happens at the highest level of badminton. Players are very controlled and behave (awfully) correctly. 

Goh Liu Ying OLY
Goh Liu Ying OLY is an affluent athlete

She dared to be different – and it paid off

A few badminton players have added some interesting layers to their brands. One of the frontrunners is Malaysian mixed-doubles player ms. Goh Liu Ying. She’s added a bit of glamour to badminton. Her eye-catching and colorful outfits stand out. 

A part-time model and professional badminton player, Goh Liu Ying is quoted as saying: “Before I go out, I always check the mirror to see if I look good. It boosts my confidence. Before I stride onto the badminton court, I must feel confident. Maybe 10% or 20% of it comes from the way I dress”. 

I feel it is refreshingly honest and transparent. And we need more Goh’s on the badminton tour. 

Judging from her social media following, Goh Liu Ying has succeeded in creating a strong personal brand. And that’s especially important to badminton players. Because – unlike even mediocre tennis players – professional badminton players don’t get rich from winning tournaments. Their main income comes from sponsors. Something business-savvy Goh Liu Ying is very wary of. 

According to sports branding expert Oliver Shepherd, “audiences are more likely to root for multi-faceted players. Sure, badminton fans appreciate highly skilled players. But when a player shows feelings and lets their personality shine through, fans are more likely to root for them.”

Needless to say, building a personal brand must be anchored in the personality traits of the player. But at the same time, badminton players must be willing to use what they have to attract and retain more fans. So if a player is physically attractive; flaunt it. If a player is disposed to reveal certain emotions, don’t hold back. 

Building a distinct personal brand can add millions to the career earning of a badminton athlete.

Tennis beauty 1979
Linda Siegel during a (tennis) game in 1979.

In 1979 Linda Siegel borrowed a pretty dress for her Wimbledon debut. While the dress was a perfect fit initially, she slowly fell out of it point by point. Naturally, the press had a field day, and – at least part of – the audience didn’t mind the experience. Once again tennis managed to take the front seat in terms of media coverage. And once again it had nothing to do with the sport itself. 

Badminton is trailing tennis in so many ways. Badminton might never catch up, but at least we should try to improve the overall appeal of the sport. One of the ways to do that is to work on the player branding side of things. 

So while tennis, golf, and football consistently benefit from both serious and colorful media coverage, this is hardly ever the case for badminton. In recent years stories involving the sad news of Kento Momota’s accident, Viktor Axelsen’s chartered plane story, or, locally in Denmark (Danish single player) Mia Blichfeldt’s hardship dealing with anxiety, received significant coverage.  And that’s about it. 

Badminton personality

In many countries, even the most fantastic badminton results get little or no media coverage. Of course, there are exceptions. In Indonesia, for example, badminton is the de facto national sport. Hence the media coverage is intense. Outside Asia, the sport doesn’t get much coverage from local, national, or regional media. 

Is it because the sport is too boring and too hard to understand for non-practitioners? Or is it because the top players are too clean, too polite, and scared of showing a bit of edge? Or might it be because the badminton organizations around the world aren’t doing a good enough job of promoting the sport? 

Interestingly, promoting the sport of badminton has been a challenge for the longest time. In 1928 former All-England badminton champion Miss Radeglia, took it upon herself to promote the sport through articles like this one. 

Flag-wrapping backfired for Anders Antonsen
Wrapped in the Danish flag, Anders Antonsen once made a showmanship-like entrance reminiscent of former years’ great boxing champs entering the arena. Awesome, we think. Unfortunately, Anders lost the final by a big margin and subsequently got ridiculed for his so-called antics. I personally salute Anders for having the guts to be different. 

Badminton has a long way to go compared to the likes of tennis and golf. 

The truth is: sex appeal attracts. But so does a quirky personality or a different approach to the sport.

I am not advocating for more badminton players to acquire a public image of being sexy or smashingly good-looking. But I do believe we need more players who stand out on and off the court. It really is a win-win situation for the players involved, their sponsors, the fans, and – most importantly – the sport of badminton. 

Badminton players work your brand DNA

To change the status quo, badminton players need to take the front seat. They need to work on their brand DNA, and understand how they may differentiate themselves on- and off the court. It doesn’t take much effort, but the benefit is real. Players will attract more fans, more sponsors, and more attention.

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Asian badminton players continue to dominate

The dominance of Asian badminton players in the BWF World top 100 rankings continued in 2022.

With the exception of men’s singles, Asian players win most BWF World Tour tournaments and top the world rankings. In this article, we’ll give you the raw facts about the extent of Asian dominance in badminton.

Through the figures and illustration below, you’ll quickly realize that badminton players from Europe gradually have been outperformed by players from Asia. But you might also recognize an even bigger story. Which is that Latam, Africa, and Oceania have not been able to catch up to Europe and Asia.

This is quite concerning for the sport of badminton. Because, in my opinion, this lack of progress would indicate that the talent development initiatives in the aforementioned territories have left much to be desired. Surely, with the right commitment, Latam, for example, is well-positioned to develop top badminton players. 

Asian badminton players account for 65% of players on the BWF top 100 rankings

A = Men B = Women

The illustration, which stems from this study, explains how badminton players from Asia have increased the percentage of male and female badminton players on the BWF World Ranking top 100.

In short, 65 out of 100 players in the top 100 represent an Asian country. Approximately 26 represent a European country. And less than 10 players represent Oceania, Africa, or Latam.

In the period between 1994-2000, Europe had more players in the top 100 than any other continent. That changed from 2001 onwards for male badminton players when Asia had more players in the top 100 than any other continent. In fact, Asia has increased their dominance ever since. In 2016 – 2020 nearly 70% of the top 100 male players represented a country in Asia.

Europe, on the other hand, has dropped from nearly 50% to less than 30% of players in the top 100.

On the female player side, Europe held on a little longer only to experience a significant drop between 2006 to 2010. That’s when the Asian continent began its domination. Since then, Asian badminton players have gone from strength to strength whilst their European competitors have experienced a gradual decrease in female badminton players on the top 100 rankings.

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The history of the All England Open Badminton Championships

Perhaps only second to the Olympics, The All England Open Badminton Championships might just be the most prestigious badminton tournament around. It is also the oldest badminton tournament in existence. The first tournament took place in London on April 4, 1899, as the “Badminton Association Tournament”. 

See all All-England winners here

Apart from involuntary cancellations from 1915-1919 and again from 1940-1946, the All England tournament has been going on every year for well over 100 years. Until 1977 it was even considered the unofficial World Championship of badminton. While the locations have changed from different venues in London and since 1994 to Birmingham, the special aura surrounding the tournament remains.

In this article, you will learn about the history and traditions of All England. You will see and hear interviews with former All England winners and officials.

THIS STORY WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON – SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO GET ALERTED WHEN THE STORY IS PUBLISHED

 

The beginning of All England

Following a successful tournament in Guildford in 1898, the inaugural All England Championships was held in 1898 in Westminster, London. Only doubles were played. 14 pairs entered in men’s doubles, 13 pairs in women’s doubles, and 20 pairs entered in mixed doubles. All entries were from England. The point system used was best of 3 sets to 15.

D.W. Oakes won both men’s doubles and mixed doubles.

Shuttlecock complaints at first All England tournament

According to the April 8th issue of The Field, the Country Gentleman’s Newspaper, the tournament was a success, but the consistency of the shuttlecocks was not.

Viktor Axelsen book release. Win the book and get excerpt of one chapter here

Viktor Axelsen book: Viktor Axelsen has just released a new autobiography. The book is entitled “Vindervilje” (which roughly translates to The Will to Win). The book is about Viktor’s career and offers lots of tips and good advice related to badminton. 

The book makes for an interesting read for any fan of Axelsen and badminton fans in general.

Viktor Axelsen’s book was originally published in Danish. The English edition is expected to be published in 2024. As a Badmintonspeak.com reader, you get a chance to win a copy. We will ship the Viktor Axelsen book to your home address.

>>> Win your copy of the Viktor Axelsen book here  <<<
(click on the link to open a form in a new window)

Badminton Speak is working on more details. Meanwhile, read an excerpt from the book (translated from Danish to English by Google Translate):

Viktor Axelsen book excerpt

Google translated excerpt of the Viktor Axelsen book:

I think that if we elite athletes have to take a purely political approach to where we are going to play, then there are a great many countries where that is not an option.

VIktor Axelsen book

My approach is that in the countries where tournaments are held – and where Danish companies operate and Danish citizens, including politicians, go on holiday – it is also okay for me to be there. We play tournaments in Dubai, we play in China.

We played official championships in Russia until there was an official political boycott of the country. Because then it’s a different matter – athletes must of course also stop traveling in a certain country.

But in the end, I found it difficult to see that I should be given greater responsibility than the rest of official Denmark. I know what’s going on in the Middle East, and I also know that Qatar has been awarded the World Cup in football.

Again, a state boycott would be needed so that the footballers do not play there. I don’t think we can expect a higher political morality from athletes than the rest of the Danish people and the top of Danish business life.

Dubai was the solution I felt had the most benefits overall. Going to Switzerland, Monaco, or whatever else people have written about online, was not at all on the table. It was the badminton setup that did the talking. These were my opportunities in everyday life and not the zeros on the check because then I should have chosen another sport to become the best in the world.

You can purchase the Viktor Axelsen book in Danish here

Viktor Axelsen’s book about badminton and how to achieve great results is a great inspiration for any badminton player. Parents of talented badminton players will also find a lot of inspiration by reading the Viktor Axelsen book.

See how much money Viktor Axelsen makes on his badminton achievements

Yoga for badminton players: 8 yoga poses to get started

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Can yoga help badminton players and how? 

Yoga and badminton training is a great combination for badminton players at any skill level.

Practicing regular yoga in itself can help badminton players focus their minds through the meditative aspects of yoga. Adding yoga to the weekly badminton practice has been proven to improve the stamina, endurance, and mental health of badminton players. 

Get the complete yoga for badminton guide when it is published – join the badminton community

While yoga in itself does offer numerous benefits for badminton players, it is advised to incorporate calisthenics into the weekly physical training. The two training methods in combination will quickly prove to benefit both balance and strength.  Some players may also benefit from adding pilates to the badminton training mix. 
 

Learn which yoga poses (asanas) are the most effective for badminton

Recent scientific research and tests have demonstrated that these yoga asanas are effective for badminton players:

Warrior 1 pose (Virabhadrasana I) – endurance

Warrior 1 yoga pose for badminton players

The Warrier 1 pose strengthens the legs and improves endurance, while also helping to improve balance and focus (concentration).

This asana (pose) is suitable for badminton players of all ages and skill levels.

Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) – agility

The Tree Pose improves balance and focus. It will also help strengthen your legs and improve agility.
Improves neuro-muscular coordination, balance, endurance and alertness.
It tones up the leg muscles and rejuvenates the ligaments

Downward-facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

This yoga pose for badminton players stretches the hamstrings and calves, while also helping to improve endurance and focus.

Plank Pose (Phalakasana) – core and shoulders

This plank yoga pose is different from the plank exercise most badminton players are familiar with. The phalakasana strengthens the core, arms, and shoulders, which can help improve agility and endurance.

Triangle Pose (Trikonasana) – improves balance and focus

The triangle pose stretches the hips, hamstrings, and calves, while also improving balance and focus.

Camel Pose (Ustrasana) – endurance and relaxation

This yoga pose opens the chest and strengthens the back, while also helping to improve endurance and relaxation. This asana is also said to correct drooping shoulders and regulate the thyroid gland.

Child’s Pose (Balasana) – reduce stress

This yoga pose stretches the back and hips and can help promote relaxation and reduce stress. It is said to relieve tension and calm the nervous system.

Do not do this exercise if you have a knee injury.

Corpse Pose (Savasana) – rejuvenation

This pose is a relaxation pose that can help calm the mind and reduce stress, while also promoting overall relaxation and rejuvenation.

Get the yoga and badminton guide when it is published

Badminton Speak will publish a yoga for badminton training guide soon. The guide is created by a yoga expert with on-court badminton experience. Subscribe to the Badminton Speak newsletter to get it.

Yoga for badminton presentation – Badminton Ireland

A few years ago the good people at Badminton Ireland facilitated this presentation by senior yoga teacher Michael Connolly.

Badminton news from BWF World Junior Championships

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Once again Asia dominated the BWF World Junior Championships.

European badminton nations Denmark, France, and Germany were represented in a measly 4 out of 20 quarterfinals. Except for one player from the USA, the rest of the quarterfinalists all represented the Asian continent.

World Junior Championships for men’s singles

131 men’s singles players from 47 countries participated in the tournament in Santander, Spain.

The quarterfinalists were all from Asia except for Alex Lanier of France. He lost the quarterfinal to Kuo Kuan-Lin in three sets. In the semifinals, India’s Subramanian won against Teeraratsakul from Thailand in straight sets – and Kuo Kuan-Lin of Taiwan overcame fierce competition by winning in 3-sets over Byung Jae Kim of Korea.

It took Kuo Kuan-Lin only 48 minutes to win the World Junior Championships in straight sets. Runner-up was S.SANKAR MUTHUSAMY SUBRAMANIAN of India.

World Junior Champion 2022: Kuo Kuan-Lin from Chinese Taipei.

Women’s singles world junior championships 2022

123 women’s singles players from 45 countries participated in the tournament in Santander, Spain.

Ella Lin from the USA fought her way to the quarterfinal where she lost in straight sets to Yuan An Qi from China. The rest of the quarterfinals were played between players representing Asian countries.

The semifinals went down as follows:

China’s Yuan An Qi ousted Indonesia’s Ester Wardoyo in three sets
Japan’s Tomoka Miyazaki overpowered her compatriot Sorano Yoshikawa in straight sets.

The final was a close match between China and Japan. Following 1 hour and 21 minutes of play, the 16-year-old Tomoka Miyazaki of Japan came out victorious winning 21-14, 20-22, 21-17 to become the 2022 World Junior Champion women’s singles.

Tomoka Miyazaki is one to watch. In spite of her – comparatively – small stature, she is an extraordinary talent

Mixed doubles – One European pair made it to the quarterfinals

120 mixed doubles pairs from 44 countries entered the mixed-doubles competition.

Asian nations also dominated the mixed doubles finals. Only one European pair made it to the quarterfinals. They lost to China’s Hao/Zhi in three sets.

The semis was a showdown between four pairs from China. Yi/Xin and Jun/Shu would go on to the finals.

Following a little over an hour of play, Zhu Yi Jun with Liu Sheng Shu earned the title of World Junior Champion 2022 mixed doubles

Men’s doubles world junior championships 2022

79 pairs from 42 countries took part in the men’s doubles competition in Spain.

All quarterfinalists represented Asian countries except one pair from Spain. Daniel Franco and Ruben Garcia were ousted by Gaterahong/Jintamuttha of Thailand in straight sets.

The semifinals were played between pairs from Korea, Indonesia, China, and Thailand.

The final was a close match between Muh Putra Erwiansyah / Patra Harapan Rindorndo of Indonesia on one side and Xu Hua Yu / Zhu Yi Jun on the other side. Following a little over an hour of play, the Chinese pair could celebrate the World Junior Championship. They won the third set by 22-20.

World Junior Championship 2022 women’s double

80 women’s doubles pairs entered. They represented 42 different countries

Except for French pair Malya Hoareau / Camille Pognante, all quarterfinalists were from Asian countries. The French pair lost in straight sets to Japan’s Kokona Ishikawa / Riko Kiyose.

The semifinals were played in three games and all took over an hour. In the end, one Indonesian and one pair from China qualified for the final.

The final was a one-sided affair with Chinas Liu Sheng Su / Wang Ting Ge overpowering Sari/Rose from Indonesia in just 33 minutes. The new world junior champions in women’s doubles were Liu Sheng Su / Wang Ting Ge from China.

Asian dominance is very real

As mentioned previously only 4 non-Asians qualified for the quarterfinals. All semifinals turned out to be a showdown between players from Asian countries.

Physical training in pairs improves results for badminton players

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If you find physical training for badminton challenging, or if you lack self-motivation, you are not alone. Most badminton players prefer to train on the court with a racquet and a box of shuttles. But improving your physical ability is critical for your performance.

Many players find physical training a daunting – even boring – task. Especially when doing it alone. But there is a good solution …

THIS STORY WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON – SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO GET ALERTED WHEN THE STORY IS PUBLISHED

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