Beijing, China: The Chinese Badminton Association has undergone a major leadership reshuffle, electing Zhang Xin as president and Li Lun as vice president while removing Xia Xuanze from his vice-presidential position amid an ongoing investigation.
The changes were approved during the association’s seventh membership congress meeting in Beijing on September 8, marking a significant reset for Chinese badminton after several senior current and former officials came under investigation in recent months.
Zhang Xin Takes Over Chinese Badminton Association
Zhang Xin was elected as the new president and immediately placed anti-corruption, stronger governance and Olympic preparation among his priorities.
He said the association would learn from recent cases, maintain strict oversight and continue efforts to improve integrity within Chinese badminton.
“We will firmly carry the fight against corruption through to the end.”
Zhang also emphasized improving the national team’s discipline and competitive preparation as China looks toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Li Lun Named Vice President
Li Lun was elected vice president as part of the same restructuring.
His background is primarily in sports administration and governance rather than elite badminton. He previously held positions within China’s sports administration system and became deputy director and discipline inspection secretary of the Table Tennis and Badminton Administrative Center in June 2026.
His appointment comes at a time when internal oversight and governance have become major issues for the association.
Xia Xuanze Removed While Investigation Continues
The association also removed former world champion Xia Xuanze from his position as vice president.
Chinese authorities announced on August 31 that Xia was under disciplinary review and supervisory investigation over suspected serious violations of discipline and law.
No final finding has been announced, and details of the alleged violations have not been publicly disclosed.
Xia had been one of the most recognizable figures in Chinese badminton. He won Olympic bronze in men’s singles at Sydney 2000, became world champion in 2003 and later served for many years as a national coach and administrator.
Three Senior Chinese Badminton Officials Under Investigation
Xia’s case followed investigations involving two other senior figures connected with the Chinese Badminton Association.
- Zhang Jun: Former association president, placed under investigation in April 2026.
- Xia Xuanze: Former vice president, investigation announced August 31.
- Wang Wei: Former vice president and secretary-general, also reported under investigation on August 31.
Having three current or former senior officials investigated within a period of only a few months has shocked many Chinese badminton fans and placed unprecedented attention on the association’s governance.
Who Is New President Zhang Xin?
Zhang Xin does not come from an elite badminton playing background, but he has extensive experience in Chinese sports administration.
He graduated from Xi’an Physical Education University and previously served as deputy director of the Shooting and Archery Administrative Center before becoming director of the Competitive Sports Department of the General Administration of Sport.
He was also involved in the Chinese sports delegations for major events including the Tokyo Olympics and Beijing Winter Olympics.
His appointment therefore appears to emphasize high-performance sports management and organizational governance rather than badminton-specific technical experience.
Fans Question Lack of Badminton Background
The appointments of Zhang Xin and Li Lun have generated discussion among Chinese badminton fans because neither is known primarily as a former elite badminton player or coach.
Some supporters question whether administrators without deep competitive badminton backgrounds can effectively lead one of the world’s most successful national programs.
Others believe their appointments may reflect the association’s immediate need for stronger governance and internal reform following the recent investigations.
There is also speculation among fans that the new leadership could be tasked primarily with stabilizing and cleaning up the association before a more badminton-focused leadership structure eventually emerges. However, there has been no official indication that either appointment is temporary.
Should Lin Dan Lead the Chinese Badminton Association?
Some fans have suggested two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan as a future candidate for association president.
From a badminton perspective, the idea has obvious appeal. Lin is one of the greatest players in the sport’s history and would bring enormous credibility, competitive knowledge and understanding of elite athletes.
However, running a national association requires more than technical badminton expertise. The president must also oversee governance, finances, personnel, compliance, development programs and relationships with national sports authorities.
A more balanced model could therefore combine experienced administrators at the top with former champions and badminton specialists playing meaningful roles in technical strategy, athlete development and national-team planning.
Chinese Badminton Faces a Major Reset
The new leadership inherits challenges both on and off the court.
Administratively, Zhang Xin and Li Lun must restore confidence in the association after investigations involving several senior officials.
Competitively, China must continue preparing for Los Angeles 2028 while addressing weaknesses exposed during the recent World Championships and developing its next generation of players.
The appointments represent a clear change in direction for Chinese badminton. Whether the new structure succeeds will depend on its ability to strengthen governance without losing the technical expertise required to keep China among the strongest badminton nations in the world.
