The atmosphere was electric at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals in Hangzhou last Sunday. Chants of “YaSi! Never End!” filled the arena as fans, some with tears in their eyes, cheered passionately for Huang Yaqiong and Zheng Siwei. The iconic mixed doubles pair had just added another title to their illustrious careers, marking the end of their journey on the international stage.
Zheng and Huang, often affectionately dubbed “YaSi” by their fans, leave behind a legacy that is nothing short of extraordinary. Their accolades include an Olympic gold medal, three world championship titles, four All England Open victories, and four World Tour Finals triumphs. Remarkably, they are the first players in BWF history to surpass 110,000 ranking points.
Their partnership has been a tale of relentless pursuit of excellence. Together, they pushed boundaries, continually elevating each other’s game, and emerged as a dominant force in international badminton. Their synergy on the court made them an invaluable asset to the Chinese national team and an inspiration to fans worldwide.
In an exclusive interview with Sports Scene’s Zhu Mandan for the “Talk Sports” series, Zheng and Huang opened up about their journey. They reminisced about their most cherished moments over the past year, the thrill of achieving Olympic glory, and reflected on the personal challenges they overcame along the way. They also shared heartfelt stories about their families and how their support played a crucial role in their success.
As they prepared to bid farewell to professional badminton, Zheng spoke candidly about the mix of emotions he felt. “It’s a bittersweet feeling,” he admitted. “While it’s hard to say goodbye, we’re grateful for every moment and every supporter who believed in us.”
Their departure marks the end of an era, but the impact of their remarkable story will continue to resonate with fans around the world. The legacy of Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong serves as a testament to dedication, teamwork, and the unyielding spirit of champions.
Reference(s):
Exclusive: Legendary badminton duo Zheng & Huang discuss golden 2024
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