In an exclusive interview with Sport Scene’s Zhu Mandan, Badminton World Federation (BWF) President Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen reflected on his favorite moments from the past year and shared his vision for the future of badminton.
The Danish badminton legend, who made history in 1996 as the first non-Asian athlete to win Olympic gold in badminton, expressed immense pride in witnessing his fellow countryman, Viktor Axelsen, successfully defend his Olympic title in Paris.
“The 2024 Paris Olympics showcased the pinnacle of badminton performance,” Høyer Larsen said. “Seeing Viktor defend his title was a proud moment for Denmark and a testament to our rich badminton tradition.”
Høyer Larsen emphasized that the future of badminton looks bright as emerging young talents are set to make their mark on the global stage in 2024. He spoke passionately about how these rising stars will continue to elevate the sport and inspire the next generation of players.
He also highlighted the significant role of social media in promoting badminton worldwide. “Social media has the power to connect fans and players like never before,” he noted. “It’s an incredible tool to grow the sport’s popularity and engage with audiences globally.”
Additionally, Høyer Larsen took a moment to commend 2024 Hall of Fame inductee Chen Long for his outstanding contributions to badminton. “Chen Long’s achievements have been instrumental in inspiring future generations,” he said. “His dedication and success are truly commendable.”
As the badminton world looks ahead to 2024 and beyond, Høyer Larsen remains optimistic about the sport’s trajectory and the impact of emerging talents on the international stage.
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Exclusive: BWF President reflects on 2024 and sport's bright future
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