Amateur shuttlers play 'another kind of badminton'

China's national badminton team captured global attention by sweeping all five gold medals at the London Olympics.

Now, it is sharing the spotlight with local and Chinese amateur players, who competed in the Red Bull Badminton Super Final near the Games' badminton venue on Monday. The event was intended to remind people that the Olympics doesn't exclusively belong to the world's top athletes - it's for everyone.

In something of a role reversal, China's national badminton team took to the stands to cheer for the amateurs. They snapped photos and asked for amateur players' autographs.

Even head coach Li Yongbo expressed envy.

"I really wish my players and I didn't have to take all the burden during the competitions and just enjoyed the sport like (the amateur players)," Li said.

Li and his team were under enormous pressure after the team's game-throwing strategy in the group match led to the disqualification of the doubles' top pair.

"We had to fight for the top place at the Games," Li said.

"The sport means something different to these amateur players. While they don't have professional training, this activity is something that to them is fun, and improves their physical and mental health."

China is known for producing full-time players under its State-run system.

Since the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it has placed more attention on the development of amateur sports in communities.

About 500,000 enthusiasts from 129 cities participated in the 2011 Red Bull Badminton amateur tournament.

The winners, respectively from North and South China, came to London to fight for the Super Final and joined exchange programs with local clubs and players.

"People make different efforts for different goals," said Wu Liang, who played in the men's doubles at the Red Bull Badminton Super Final.

"Since the Chinese selection system requires professional players for professional matches, the one who wants to reach a higher level must devote himself to his badminton career.

"We're another kind of badminton. We're here to tell foreign players that China has more athletes than its full-time professional competitors."

sports@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 08/08/2012 page10)