China's national badminton team prefer to compete in Europe
rather than in Southeast Asia, where they can often expect a
hostile reception, says head coach Li Yongbo.
"Fans in Malaysia and Indonesia are not so friendly. Our players
are booed and whistled when competing in those countries," said
Li.
The heavily publicized rivalry between world No 1 Lin Dan and
Indonesia's Hidayat Taufik has antagonized fans and contributed to
the ill will felt around the court whenever the two embittered
rivals meet.
Taufik was at the center of a disturbance in last year's Hong
Kong Open, storming out of his semifinal with Lin after failing to
persuade the referee to reverse a controversial decision by a
lineswomen.
In Asia, players are frequently booed or jeered by host fans
when playing away matches.
But Li urged his players to remain composed under pressure.
"We have no way to avoid these disruptions except by fully
focusing on our matches. Our players must learn how to get past
these interruptions from the stands."
At the 2006 Doha Asian Games, Indonesian fans often overshadowed
the main action whenever one of their compatriots took to the
stage, with a chorus of thousands managing to upset opposing
players by shouting and whistling throughout the match.
China's Lin and head coach Li expressed their complaints about
the distractions from fans after Lin was defeated by Taufik in the
men's singles final.
The coach, known for his tolerant approach to his team, said
Europe was much more China-friendly.
"We feel more comfortable in Europe. Fans there show more
respect and cheer every player who plays well."
Li said he was moved by the reception to the all-Chinese
semifinal between Lin and Chen Hong at last year's world
championships in Madrid.
"There were so many foreign fans at the match and afterwards the
whole stadium gave a long standing ovation for their brilliant
performance."
Badminton is a traditional sport in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Previous encounters between the two have often erupted into large
melees in the stands, testament to the strong rivalry that exists
between them.
Malaysia and Indonesia have met in eight Thomas Cup finals, the
messiest of which struck in 1994.
Fans celebrated Indonesia's early 3-0 lead by lobbing bottles at
the Malaysian players, forcing the referees to cancel play - the
first time in Thomas Cup history that only three matches were
completed.
At the 2002 Busan Asian Games, Taufik threatened to boycott the
ongoing team finals against host Korea after a series of
controversial calls from the linesman.
With unruly Indonesian fans having to be forcibly restrained
from stampeding the court in protest, the match was delayed for two
hours until the linesman was replaced.
2008 hope
Regardless of any such hostilities, China coach Li said the team
is fully gearing up for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and is now in a
position to bolster its medal tally on home soil.
"We won four then three golds at the past two Olympics, but
we're aiming to take more in Beijing. All of us have the motivation
and determination to achieve this."
Women's veteran Zhang Ning is one of the figures at the
forefront of the big push.
As the most-decorated player in the women's team, the
31-year-old has vowed to continue playing as long as her body will
allow.
"Yes, I've won many titles and gold medals, but I won't slow
down in 2008.
"I know there are young players pushing me. But I will not quit
the national team unless they show they can beat me," she said.
Consistent performances from veterans and teenagers alike are
even giving way to a more liberal attitude toward goings-on off the
court.
"I don't think it's unusual to become romantically involved when
players reach a proper age. I won't interfere or prevent my players
from getting involved with each other if such a situation should
arise," said Li.
"It's their prerogative. I believe players who are in love will
be able to train and compete better as they will be in a good
mood."
Li has won over fans for espousing a liberal attitude that is
almost unheard of in other national sports.
The headline-grabbing affair between Lin and women's world No 1
Xie Xingfang has generated intense interest and support from the
Chinese people, suggesting Li may be on the right track.
Commercial support
Li also said greater commercial support and endorsements were
fostering more enthusiasm for the sport on the mainland.
"In previous years, Chinese badminton has been supported by so
many people and companies. I'm glad to see that Pepsi is making
efforts to inspire more Chinese people to get involved in the
sport," said Li, who joined Olympic champion Zhang and emerging
star Chen Jin at a Pepsi-organized campaign on Sunday.
A "Wishing Wall" built with 20,000 cans from the soft drink
giant and two drums have been set up on Beijing's Xidan shopping
street, in Zhongguancun computer district and at other cities
around the nation.
(China Daily February 14, 2007)