Chinese badminton players made a remarkable impact at the 2024 Badminton World Federation (BWF) Player of the Year Awards held in Hangzhou, China, clinching six prestigious trophies on Monday night.
Shi Yuqi secured his first Men’s Singles Player of the Year award. After overtaking Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen as World No. 1 in June, Shi dominated the season with victories at the India, France, Singapore, and Indonesia Opens.
“I feel good because this is recognition for my year’s worth of hard work,” Shi said. “I was more spirited this year and performed better, especially in team events. I was determined to do well and achieved good results.”
On the women’s side, South Korea’s An Se-young was named both Women’s Singles Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year, the only athlete to earn two awards. “I didn’t expect I’d receive so much support from other players. I’m delighted to get this award,” An expressed. “Lee Yong-dae is my idol, and he told me, ‘you have so much to celebrate today.’ I’m so happy. I have so many people supporting me, and they are my biggest motivation.”
China’s dominance extended to the doubles categories:
- Men’s Doubles Player of the Year: Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang (China)
- Women’s Doubles Player of the Year: Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning (China)
- Mixed Doubles Player of the Year: Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping (China)
In the para-badminton categories, Chinese athletes continued their success:
- Men’s Para Badminton Player of the Year: Qu Zimo (China)
- Women’s Para Badminton Player of the Year: Liu Yutong and Li Fengmei (China)
Indonesia’s Hikmat Ramdani and Leani Ratri Oktila were honored as the Para Badminton Pair of the Year.
Other notable winners include France’s Alex Lanier, who received the Eddy Choong Rising Star of the Year award, and Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, named the Players’ Player of the Year on the men’s side.
The awards ceremony highlighted a year of exceptional performances and showcased the rising talents in the world of badminton.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
