China ride emotional wave to take mixed team badminton gold

MÜLHEIM AN DER RUHR - People’s Republic of China defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1 in the mixed team event on Sunday to win the first badminton gold medal of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games.

To the delight of the Chinese supporters crammed inside Westenergie Sporthalle, the team in red recorded straight-games successes in the men’s and women’s doubles, either side of a win for each side in the singles.

“I am very excited, but the game was very tough,” Yuan An Qi (CHN), who defeated Wang Pei Yu (TPE) in a see-saw men’s singles match (12-15, 15-12, 15-7), said.

“I feel a little confused about it, but in the end, I won. I feel like all my stress just fell off that very moment. Amazing experience.”

Yuan praised her opponent and thanked the spectators at Westenergie Sporthalle for energising her performance.

“I think she (Wang) gave her best. She shows the spirit of the young generations of players. I really enjoyed the atmosphere. The more excited the audience is, the more excited I am.”

Victory was clinched without the need for a deciding fifth rubber after Wang Yi Duo and Liu Jia Yue eased home in the women’s doubles.

“Our opponents from Chinese Taipei were under more pressure in that match because they were the favourites,” Wang Yi Duo (CHN) said after closing out the 15-8, 15-13 win.

“We could be more relaxed, and that helped us fight back and attack more.

“It’s not just a victory for myself – it’s also a victory for my team. I’m very proud to have had that success for them.”

Heartbreak for India

Beaten semi-finalists from Saturday, India and Republic of Korea, receive bronze medals, but only six Indians will receive medals instead of 12.

Because of a paperwork mix-up, team officials missed the deadline for six student-athletes, including Alisha Mahmood Khan (IND).

“I have no words,” Khan said. “Literally, all of us are crying. We all came as a team and won a bronze medal. Only six are going to the podium.

“We played 12 matches in two days to get selected for this tournament in the Indian heat, and when we fly here, our names are not there.

“The funniest thing is, me and my partner Vaishnavi Khadekar (IND), were selected together. We play in women’s doubles. They put her name on the list and forgot mine. They literally split a pair.”

Individuals to come

The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games badminton competition will resume on Tuesday with the men’s and women’s singles and doubles, and the mixed doubles events.

“Honestly, for the upcoming individual events, I have even more faith in our team now,” Wang Zijun (CHN) said after winning his singles rubber in the mixed team semi-final earlier on Sunday against Choi Jihoon (KOR).

“We’ve been building momentum through every match. Both my personal form and our team’s energy keep getting stronger.

“I don’t believe having more rest gives them any advantage over us. If anything, I feel we’re the ones holding the upper hand at this stage.”

Grab your tickets for five more days of high-class badminton at Westenergie Sporthalle here.

FGNS pg/ph/mb