Lee Yong-dae is taking pictures with a fan at the ‘2023 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Senior Championship’ signing event on the 14th. Jeonju = Yonex
The ‘2023 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Senior Championship’ was held at Hwasan Gymnasium in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do on the 14th. It was a mammoth tournament with approximately 2,000 people, including 1,200 athletes from 45 countries around the world, BWF officials, international referees, and accompanying families.
This tournament attracted interest not only from club members but also from legends who dominated the world of badminton. They include Jeong So-young and Jeong Gil-soon, who won the women’s doubles gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Lee Yong-dae (Yonex), Yoo Yeon-soo, who was the men’s doubles partner at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, former national team coach Seung-taek Kwon, and current Jeonbuk Bank coach Kim Hyo-seong.
Overseas, Indonesian Tony Gunawan (USA), gold medalist in men’s doubles at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, also participated. Bunsak Ponsana, former Thai national team member and former world No. 10, also participated.
This competition, which was first held in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2003, is now in its 11th year. Although it is past its prime, it is a festival for senior players from around the world who love badminton, from ages 35 to 80.
The ‘2023 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Senior Championship’ match on the 14th. No cut news
In particular, senior players were excited to see their badminton idols in person. On this day, Lee Yong-dae, a mixed doubles gold medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, attended a fan signing event, and a large crowd gathered at the stadium. The players enjoyed their time with the legend by signing autographs and taking pictures with Lee Yong-dae.
Jeong So-young, director of the Jeonbuk Sports Council, 2004 Athens Olympics men’s doubles gold medalist Ha Tae-kwon, SPOTV commentator, and Wonkwang University professor Kim Dong-moon also participated in the autograph session. Korean residents who flew in from New Zealand left special memories by posing with legends.
Lee Yong-dae said, “It was my first time attending the World Senior Championships, and I felt the passion of the participants was enormous.” He then smiled and said, “Seeing former legendary veterans, including Teacher Soyoung Jeong and Hyung Yeonseong, participating, I also thought that when I retire, I would like to participate in this competition and try to win.”
Lee Yong-dae also expressed his wish, saying, “I hope that our country will continue to host such large international competitions and serve as a stepping stone for Korean badminton to further develop on the world stage.” He added, “I hope that the competition will finish well until the end.”
2004 Athens Olympics gold medalist Ha Tae-kwon (right) and SPOTV commentator posing. Jeong So-young (third from right), director of the Jeonbuk Sports Council, is taking a commemorative photo with Korean residents of New Zealand at the Yonex ‘2023 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Senior Championship’ autograph session. Yonex 2004 Athens Olympics gold medalist Kim Dong-moon (right), a professor at Wonkwang University, poses. Yonex
Meanwhile, legends who participated in this tournament, such as Jeong So-young and Yoo Yeon-soo, are cruising through the tournament with ease. So-young Jeong and Gil-soon Jeong are the defending champions who won the Spanish competition two years ago.
An official from the Korea Badminton Association said, “In fact, the gap between former players and club members is so large that many of the games are one-sided.” He continued, “However, regardless of the performance, the players are truly enjoying the competition.” This tournament will be held at Hwasan Gymnasium and Jeonju Indoor Badminton Court until the 17th.
2023-09-14 09:26:11
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