FOCUS ON HOT SPOTS
The badminton preliminaries of the mass events of the National Games have kicked off in full swing
Published:
2025-06-20
The preliminaries of the badminton event (Group C and Group D) of the 15th National Games' mass competition kicked off at the Zhengzhou Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium on the morning of June 20th. 27 teams from across the country, with 589 athletes, will compete for the qualification to advance to the finals of the Greater Bay Area over a four-day period.
The badminton event of the mass competition at the National Games is divided into four groups, namely A, B, C and D, based on the age of the participants. The age requirements for the C and D group competitions held in Zhengzhou this time are 45-54 years old and 55-64 years old respectively. The competition is a doubles mixed team event, meaning that each match consists of three sets: men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles. The top eight in each group qualify for the final stage.
This preliminary competition is hosted by the Mass Sports Department of the General Administration of Sport of China, the Table Tennis and Badminton Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China, and the Badminton Association of China. It is organized by the Sports Bureau of Henan Province and the People's Government of Zhengzhou City, and co-organized by the Sports Bureau of Zhengzhou City and the Badminton Association of Henan Province. As the highest-level badminton mass event in the country, the competition particularly emphasizes the concept of "National Games for All, National Games benefiting the people". Among the over 500 folk experts ranging in age from 45 to 64, with a span of nearly 20 years, there are many "silver-haired warriors" who still persist in sweating on the court after retirement. Their shared love for badminton and pursuit of the dream of the National Games have brought them together in Zhengzhou to exchange skills and showcase themselves. It is worth mentioning that Group D specially allows "veterans" with professional athlete experience to participate in the mixed doubles competition. This move not only enhances the entertainment value of the competition but also demonstrates the respect and care of the National Games for these veterans. Their performance will also become a major highlight of the competition.
As early as four years ago, Zhengzhou City successfully hosted the 2021 National Badminton Championships and the qualification Tournament for the badminton event of the 14th National Games. In 2023, it also held the competition for the public security police group in the badminton event of the 14th National Games' mass events. The preliminary round of this National Games has also aroused great enthusiasm among badminton enthusiasts in Zhengzhou. On the opening day, the competition attracted over 3,000 spectators, who spared no effort to cheer for the players, creating a lively competition atmosphere. A relevant official from the provincial badminton association introduced that in recent years, badminton in Henan Province has made remarkable progress. Hosting national events has played a positive role in promoting the popularization and development of badminton.
To ensure the smooth running of the event, Zhengzhou has made full preparations. The Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium has set up 10 professional venues to start the competition simultaneously. The site is also equipped with a high-definition electronic timing and scoring system to display the competition scores and progress in real time and accurately. Meticulous arrangements have also been made in terms of catering, transportation, medical care and other aspects.
In the previously concluded A and B team preliminaries, Henan Province successfully qualified for the final of Group A. As the host this time, Henan Province has also sent 10 male and 10 female athletes to compete in groups C and D, striving to secure a ticket to the finals. Henan won 2-1 against 福建队 in the first round of Group D on Tuesday morning.