ROME – Luca Zhou, a rising star in Italian badminton, has publicly confronted a wave of racist abuse with a powerful message of identity and belonging. The 20-year-old, born in Rome on July 8, 2004, and raised in Santa Marinella, responded to online harassment with a video posted to social media, questioning what truly defines an Italian. The incident has sparked a national conversation about inclusivity and tolerance in sports and beyond.
Zhou, a left-handed singles player, has quickly become one of Italy’s top badminton prospects. He’s a product of the Federazione Italiana Badminton’s (#ProgettoGiovani) development program, designed to cultivate future Olympic talent. In 2020, he reached a historic quarterfinal in the European Junior Championships in the men’s doubles with Matteo Massetti – a first for Italian badminton at that level. More recently, in May 2025, he nearly secured a podium finish at the Slovenia Open, solidifying his position as a key competitor on the European circuit.
The harassment began as a series of negative comments and outright racist remarks directed at Zhou online, stemming from his Chinese heritage – his father, You Zhou, is a former Italian national team director. The attacks prompted Zhou to address the issue head-on. “Ao, ma aspetta un’attimo, ma io sono italiano. Io sono nato in Italia, sono cresciuto qui e parlo pure l’accento romano. Rappresento l’Italia con la maglia della Nazionale italiana. Quindi fammi capire, cosa rende veramente una persona italiana? Il passaporto? Il cognome? O la faccia? Se per te l’Italia ha una sola faccia, forse il problema non sono io,” Zhou stated in the video, which quickly went viral.
VIDEO LUCA ZHOU
The response from the Italian badminton community and beyond has been overwhelmingly supportive. The Federazione Italiana Badminton (FIBa) has publicly backed Zhou, emphasizing the importance of respect and inclusivity within the sport. The incident comes as the federation actively promotes social messages alongside athletic competition in 2026.
Zhou’s story highlights a growing conversation about identity and belonging in Italy, a country with a significant immigrant population. He embodies a new generation of Italian athletes with diverse backgrounds, challenging traditional notions of national identity. His father, who has lived in Italy for approximately thirty years, previously ran a restaurant in Rome and currently operates a bar with one of his daughters.
Beyond the immediate issue of racism, Zhou remains focused on his athletic goals. He has publicly stated his ambition to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, hoping to further elevate the profile of badminton in Italy. He acknowledges the challenges ahead, but remains determined to succeed on and off the court. Despite a confessed disappointment with the current performance of his favorite football club, Lazio – blaming the club president more than the players or manager – Zhou’s dedication to representing Italy remains unwavering.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent issue of racism in sports and society. Zhou’s courageous response, yet, offers a message of hope and resilience, prompting a much-needed dialogue about what it truly means to be Italian in the 21st century. The question he poses – “What makes a person Italian?” – resonates far beyond the badminton court, inviting a broader reflection on inclusivity and acceptance.
Zhou’s next competitive appearance is currently unconfirmed, but he is expected to participate in upcoming European circuit events as he continues his pursuit of Olympic qualification. Fans can follow his progress and the latest updates from the Federazione Italiana Badminton on their official website (https://www.badmintonitalia.it/it/) and social media channels.
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