ZJU's regular student badminton team shines in provincial badminton championship

ZJU's regular student badminton team recently showcased their exceptional skills and achieved remarkable results in the highly anticipated 2024 Zhejiang Province University Student Badminton Championship (Group A and Group C). The team demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the competition, securing a notable third place in the overall team score. Furthermore, they triumphed as the champions of the women's team competition and achieved an impressive fourth place in the men's team event. In addition, they claimed victory in the men's doubles category and secured a commendable fourth place in women's doubles.

The women's team final was particularly intense, with the score tied at 10-10 in the decisive game. Facing a formidable opponent who had dominated the championship for multiple consecutive years, the Zhejiang University student on the court displayed exceptional fortitude under immense pressure. With unwavering determination, they secured the crucial last point, leading the women's team to reclaim the championship after a nine-year hiatus, marking their best performance in recent years.

A captivating moment occurred during a challenging group match, where the team seemed destined for defeat after losing the first game and trailing in the second. However, graduate student WANG Xiaojie from the the School of Medicine drew strength from the resounding cheers of her teammate GAO Xiaowei, a graduate student from the College of Civil Engineering and Architechture. Determined to provide her teammates with an opportunity to compete, WANG and her partner HAN Yi adjusted their mindset and tactics. Their unwavering focus allowed them to win each point methodically, ultimately reversing the score and clinching victory in the group match.

LU Xinyan, a Ph.D. student from the College of Environmental& Resource Sciences, overcame significant adversity to secure the men's doubles championship. Despite suffering a severe knee injury a month before the competition, which affected his ability to walk, LU actively sought treatment and rehabilitation. Through static technical training and receiving a cortisone injection just before the match, he managed to regain his running form. Partnering with YUAN Zeqing, an undergraduate from the College of Computer Science and Technology, they encouraged each other throughout the matches, drawing strength from the sidelines' cheers of Go Zhejiang University. Their unwavering determination propelled them to victory, overcoming physical obstacles and intense pressure.

The regular badminton team faces unique challenges compared to high-level sports teams due to their limited training time, constrained by academic commitments, research obligations, and campus distances. Nonetheless, fueled by their shared passion and collective goal, they trained diligently three times a week, maximizing each session's efficiency to enhance their skills and physical fitness. Members consistently arrived early and departed late, voluntarily dedicating extra practice time to overcome any weaknesses.

Physical training sessions pushed the team to their limits, but through mutual encouragement, they transformed hardship into motivation. During the women's team's timed 4-kilometer run, they unitedly held hands, chanting Women's team champion! The collective spirit propelled them to the finish line together. Each training session saw them exhaust themselves for their dreams, leaving nothing to chance.

To ensure optimum performance, the team meticulously studied videos of opponents and thoroughly prepared for each match. After each game, they conducted meetings to reflect on their performance, engaging in self-criticism and making necessary team adjustments. This dedication helped them maintain a positive mindset, ensuring graceful defeats and confident victories.

The invaluable contributions of the coaches cannot be overlooked. Former coach ZHENG Qishi, a teacher from the Department of Public Physical and Art Education of ZJU, accompanied the badminton team for decades, nurturing their development. In recent years, JIANG Tianjiao, a teacher from the same department, took on the role of official coach. She single-handedly guided both teams in this competition, providing crucial guidance and conducting tactical research. Additionally, she ensured the well-being of every team member. According to the players, As long as Sister Jiao is around, we feel at ease.

JIANG Tianjiao's presence exudes warmth, earning her the affectionate nickname Sister Jiao from the team members. She meticulously plans training regimes, match tactics, and logistical support, allowing players to wholeheartedly focus on their training and competition. During practices, she provides unwavering support, responding to every shot while continuously encouraging and guiding the team. ZHU Lin, an undergraduate from the School of Economics, expressed her satisfaction, stating, Sister Jiao's guidance is not only technically sound but also emotionally uplifting. JIANG Tianjiao embodies not only a coach but also an elder sister figure for the entire team.

Trust among teammates forms a strong foundation, creating an unbreakable bond. When ZHU Lin, the women's team's top singles player, feels pressured, she draws strength from her reliable partners who have her back. With their unwavering support, she fearlessly faces each shot, giving her all to secure victory for the team.

As graduation approaches, one team member, WANG Xiaojie, tearfully expressed her reluctance to part ways with her teammates. She emphasized the fulfilling experiences of her student days and expressed hope that the women's team will continue to defend the championship, leaving no regrets in future games. Bound by their love for the sport, these individuals came together at Zhejiang University. With every shuttlecock kept aloft, they never succumbed to defeat, embodying the true spirit of perseverance.

Adapted and translated from the article written by：WANG Jianing

Translator: ZHUGE Jiayuan (’2025，Communication)

Photo: the interviewees

Editor: HAN Xiao (’25 PhD, Education),TIAN Minjie