The 2023 China Open in Changzhou, situated in East China’s Jiangsu Province, recently drew its curtains with outstanding matches and memorable moments. World champion Viktor Axelsen, hailing from Denmark, clinched the title for men’s singles, defeating China’s Lu Guangzu in the grand finale. Alongside him, notable victories were achieved by Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang in the men’s doubles, and Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan securing the title for women’s doubles. These stellar athletes now look forward to sharing the whopping $2,000,000 prize pool, a significant amount only surpassed by the BWF World Tour Finals in this season’s calendar.
The China Open, with its prestigious status as a BWF World Tour Super 1000 event, witnessed the participation of the top 15 singles players and the cream of the crop of the top 10 doubles pairs globally. Many Asian players utilized this premier event as an arena to hone their skills and adapt their form, all in anticipation of the forthcoming Asian Games slated to take place in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
Although globally acclaimed players like Viktor Axelsen, Shi Yuqi, and Tai Tzu-ying invariably seized the spotlight, the passion and enthusiasm of the spectators were palpable, signaling the profound cultural connection between the city and badminton. Their fervor was not just for the stars but also for the sheer beauty of the sport and the determination of each player to achieve their dreams.
Access to this world-class badminton showcase came at a relatively modest cost. A mere 80 yuan (equivalent to $10.90) afforded fans a day’s admission, an amount humorously comparable to a couple of cups of Starbucks coffee. This affordable price, coupled with the city’s undeniable love for badminton, meant tickets were in high demand. Numerous local fans eagerly sought additional tickets outside the Changzhou Olympic Sports Centre.
Changzhou’s selection as host for the China Open in 2018, 2019, and now from 2023 to 2026, begs the question: what makes this city a darling for Super 1000 events? An encounter with two young students provided some insight. They began their badminton journey at the age of 5, crediting familial support and their city’s sports-loving culture. Young enthusiasts like these exemplify the deep roots badminton has struck in the community.
Since its inception in 2008, the China Open has left an indelible mark on Changzhou, especially among its amateur badminton community. The event has spurred increased local participation in the sport and has facilitated interactions between world champions and young enthusiasts, fueling further interest.
Today, Changzhou boasts of impressive statistics in the world of badminton: over 60,000 amateur badminton players span various age groups. The city now features over 1,100 standard badminton courts and nearly 80 established badminton clubs. The China Open’s presence has not only enhanced the city’s sports infrastructure but has also played a pivotal role in cultivating a vast community of badminton aficionados. A recent survey indicated an overwhelming 92% of respondents crediting the China Open with positively influencing Changzhou’s badminton landscape.
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