More than 1,500 athletes from 13 countries and regions descended upon the Rongchuang International Sports Center on Oct. 4 for the opening of the Jinan Dan Cup Badminton Open, 163.com reported. Olympic champion and tournament founder Lin Dan attended the opening ceremony, greeting competitors at the venue in Licheng district.
Global Field Converges on Jinan for Tournament
The tournament features three distinct divisions: men’s singles, mixed team, and youth categories. Competitors traveled from nations including China, Malaysia, South Korea, Russia, Indonesia, Thailand, Canada, the United States, Pakistan, and India. Local sports officials and tournament organizers gathered for the morning opening events, where the Jinan Municipal Bureau of Sports party secretary and bureau director Dong Huaimin declared the competition underway, and Shandong Badminton Association vice president and Jinan Badminton Association president Zhai Shibiao delivered opening remarks. The DANCEBOX street dance troupe performed during the opening ceremony before matches began across the city’s designated venues.
National Team Standouts Join Elite Singles Draw
A group of elite national team players joined the tournament draw alongside international competitors, pairing established veterans with younger contenders on adjacent courts. The athlete roster features Zhao Junpeng, Zhou Zechi, Lei Lanxi, Liu Liang, and Wang Zhengxing. Total prize money for the event reaches 836,000 yuan, with the men’s singles champion claiming a 200,000-yuan top prize. Competition takes place across two primary locations: the main venue at the Rongchuang International Sports Center and a secondary venue at Longding Sports Park. Organizers structured the matches under the theme “Step on court, shine bright,” broadcasting live coverage through platforms including Douyin and WeChat video channels.
Cultural Market and Tourism Tie-Ins Drive Local Economy
The tournament coincides with the National Day golden week holiday, bringing an influx of visitors to Licheng district. Organizers established a sports and cultural market alongside brand exhibition zones near the main venue, featuring intangible cultural heritage displays, Lin Dan Cup trophy building blocks, and themed blind box merchandise. Spectators participated in interactive stamped passport activities around the venue grounds. Beyond the stadium walls, tournament attendees visited regional cultural landmarks including the Huashan Lake scenic area, Jingxin Suji, and Huxiao Valley, linking athletic competition with regional tourism.
