Hangzhou: In the latest badminton news, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) hosted its 2024 awards ceremony in Hangzhou, where the sport’s brightest stars were honored. China emerged as the dominant force, claiming four out of the five main awards, while South Korea’s An Se Young retained her Female Player of the Year title for a second consecutive year.
An Se Young: A Year to Remember
World No. 1 An Se Young cemented her place at the pinnacle of badminton by capturing the Female Player of the Year award. The 22-year-old South Korean sensation had a stellar season, winning the Paris Olympic gold medal and four BWF World Tour titles. Her incredible achievements set her apart from other nominees, including Indonesia’s Gregoria Tunjung and China’s Wang Zhiyi and Han Yue.
Upon receiving the accolade, An expressed her gratitude and excitement, saying, “This has been an unforgettable year. I’m grateful to everyone who supported me along the way.”
Shi Yuqi: A Historic Season
China’s Shi Yuqi was crowned Male Player of the Year after a breakthrough season that saw him claim the world No. 1 ranking for the first time. Shi also played a pivotal role in China’s Thomas Cup victory and secured four BWF World Tour titles. His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious award over strong contenders such as Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien-chen and Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen and Anders Antonsen.
Reflecting on his achievement, Shi remarked, “This award validates a year of hard work and determination. I am proud to have delivered consistent performances, especially in team events.”
Doubles Stars Shine
China also swept the doubles categories, with the following pairs taking home honors:
Men’s Doubles: Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang
Women’s Doubles: Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning
Mixed Doubles: Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping
These players showcased exceptional skill and teamwork, cementing China’s dominance in the sport.
Players’ Player of the Year Award
In a heartwarming addition to the ceremony, the newly introduced Players’ Player of the Year award, voted by fellow athletes, went to Viktor Axelsen for the men and An Se Young for the women. Despite not attending the event due to injury, Axelsen thanked his peers via a pre-recorded video, stating, “This recognition from my fellow players means the world to me.”
Rising Star: Alex Lanier
The Eddy Choong Rising Star Award, previously known as the Most Promising Player Award, was presented to France’s Alex Lanier. At just 19 years old, Lanier made headlines by winning the Japan Open, defeating elite players like Shi Yuqi, Chou Tien-chen, and Lee Zii Jia. This award highlights his potential to become a major force in badminton.
BWF World Tour Finals: What’s Next?
As the badminton community shifts its focus to the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, excitement is mounting. The men’s singles draw has been significantly impacted by Viktor Axelsen’s withdrawal due to a foot injury. His spot in Group A will now be taken by China’s Asian Games champion Li Shifeng. The group also features Denmark’s Anders Antonsen, Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien-chen, and Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia.
Group B is equally competitive, with Shi Yuqi taking on Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie, Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, and Japan’s Kodai Naraoka.
In the women’s singles, An Se Young leads Group B alongside China’s Han Yue, Thailand’s Supanida Katethong, and Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi. Group A comprises China’s Wang Zhiyi, Indonesia’s Gregoria Tunjung, Japan’s Aya Ohori, and Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan.
Hall of Fame Inductees
Adding to the night’s prestige, retired legends Chen Long of China and Lee Yong-dae of South Korea were inducted into the BWF Hall of Fame. Both players have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring future generations of badminton players worldwide.
Conclusion
The BWF awards ceremony celebrated the very best of badminton and provided fans with exciting stories to look forward to as the season draws to a close. For all the latest badminton news, results, and updates, stay tuned to BadmintonPlanet.com.
