YINCHUAN, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Yinchuan, the capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, was filled with electrifying excitement as it hosted the "Legends' Vision World Tour," with around 5,500 badminton fans gathering at the Ningxia Gymnasium to immerse themselves in the much-anticipated two-day event.
This gala marked the tour's return to China after a decade-long journey, drawing five of the world's most celebrated badminton legends -- Lin Dan, Peter Gade, Taufik Hidayat, Lee Yong-dae, and Carolina Marne -- to inspire the next generation of badminton enthusiasts in northwest China.
The legends continued their inspiring journey on Sunday by visiting Yuehai Primary School in Yinchuan, where they interacted with young players and provided hands-on guidance.
The young enthusiasts said they benefited immensely from the legends' instructions and felt motivated to practice harder to pursue their badminton dreams.
What is it like playing face-to-face with Lin? Nan Zexi, a fifth grader, said, "I'm thrilled to play with them. Lin has stable footwork. I'll work hard to improve my coordination."
On the event's first day, Team Black, captained by Olympic gold medalists Lin and South Korean badminton player Lee, played an exhibition match against Team Gold, led by Indonesian badminton maestro Taufik, Danish badminton legend Gade, and Spanish badminton queen Marne.
Local young talents also joined the match, and their remarkable skills sent the crowd into a frenzy. Beyond the thrilling competitive matches, the legends shared invaluable knowledge on techniques and strategies, demonstrating their dedication to cultivating the next generation of badminton stars.
During the discussion, Lin expressed his pride in the achievements of Chinese badminton over the past two decades.
Taufik, the vice chairman of the Indonesian Badminton Association, praised the event for its unique ability to unite more badminton enthusiasts. He believed that such gatherings could create an environment highly conducive to nurturing young athletes and promoting the sport's development.
Gade, who has been deeply involved in talent development initiatives, emphasized the importance of long-term, systematic training programs.
He noted that many European countries have increasingly recognized the significance of robust infrastructure and systematic talent cultivation to ensure sustained growth in the sport.
Marne, a role model for female athletes, hoped her journey would inspire more young girls in Spain and around the globe to take up badminton and pursue their athletic dreams.
The event also featured lively interaction between a group of young reporters and the legends. The children asked playful yet determined questions, reflecting the legends' profound influence on youth.
"I may be able to beat you after training!" a child challenged Taufik, drawing laughter and applause from the audience. This light-hearted exchange exemplified how the legends' presence can ignite the passion and ambition of budding athletes.
Launched in 2015, the "Legends' Vision World Tour" has significantly boosted badminton's promotion, inspiring badminton lovers around the world. Enditem
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