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Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Khaleej Times
Badminton: Taabia, Mysha to represent UAE at World Championships
In a groundbreaking moment for UAE badminton, Taabia Omar and Mysha Omar will represent the UAE at the 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris, marking the nation's historic debut at the sport's most prestigious annual event. The championship will take place at the iconic Adidas Arena from August 25 to 31. This milestone not only places the UAE on the global badminton map but also fuels the dreams of aspiring players across the Emirates, underscoring the sport's growing prominence in the region. Taabia Omar, aged 19, is already a name to reckon with, having become the World no. 1 in women's doubles and ranked 2nd in mixed doubles on the BWF World Junior Ranking. Mysha Omar, her younger sister who turns 17 later this year, was formerly ranked World no. 10 in women's singles and women's doubles (with Taabia). She claimed international acclaim in 2024 by winning the girls' singles title at the All-England Junior Championships, a breakthrough achievement following her earlier doubles victories. 'This is a proud moment for the UAE Badminton community. It is a clear signal to our youth that excellence is possible with hard work and support. We wish Taabia and Mysha the very best as they carry the UAE flag on the world stage,' said Noura Hassan Al Jasmi, President of UAE Badminton Federation.
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Srikanth in Malaysia Masters final, first since late 2021
NEW DELHI: India's Kidambi Srikanth ended a long wait on Saturday when he made his first final in three-and-a-half years by reaching the title clash of the $475,000 Malaysia Masters in Bukit Jalil, a suburb of Kuala Lumpur. The former world No.1, whose ranking has dropped to No.65, overcame Japan's Yushi Tanaka, the world No.23, 21-18, 24-22 in 49 minutes in the semi-finals. The last time the 32-year-old made the final was at the BWF World Championships in December 2021 in Huelva, Spain, losing the summit clash to Singapore's Loh Kean Yew. After struggling on the tour and forced off because of injury breaks, the Ravulapalem-born has finally managed to regain his footing as he made the final of the Super 500 tournament following wins over much higher-ranked opponents. 'Pretty happy (with the win). It's been a while (since playing in a final). I don't know (how long it has been). I have lost track of it,' Srikanth said in the mixed zone after his match. The Pullela Gopichand protege has had to work harder than other players to reach the semis, having also come through two qualifying matches. In the main draw, Srikanth first overcame old rival and fifth seed Kenta Nishimoto of Japan in three tough games in the opener which gave him the confidence of progressing in the event. After overcoming Ireland's Nhat Nguyen in straight games, Srikanth defeated another top 20 player in Toma Junior Popov of France before outlasting Tanaka in the semis. 'Physically I've been feeling well. There's also the fact that I haven't played too many minutes last year. I had been playing qualifiers. So maybe I kind of lost that touch of playing matches. Somehow everything has worked out this time,' Srikanth, who guided India to the 2022 Thomas Cup victory, said. 'I've been working hard the last month for these wins.' Srikanth will face his biggest test on Sunday afternoon when he takes on second seed Li Shifeng of China for his first title in eight years. The last title came at the 2017 French Open. 'I haven't really planned anything. It's just about being physically fit, being injury free, and then playing how many ever tournaments possible,' said Srikanth. 'I don't really have a target of playing the next 100 tournaments this year… So, obviously if I play, I will play to win. I really want to give myself enough time to recover, train, and then play this time.'
Independent Singapore
22-04-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Beyond the court: What life looks like for Chinese badminton star Lin Dan after retiring
Photo: Since his retirement from professional badminton in 2020, Chinese sports star Lin Dan, famously known as 'Super Dan', has shifted his focus to business and family. Instead of becoming a coach like many former athletes, Lin Dan chose to explore the business world and used his fame to build successful business ventures. According to the Chinese social media outlet Sohu, the former athlete earned more than 100 million yuan (about US$13.7 million) during the peak of his career, based on advertisements alone. Moreover, he's also been involved in supporting his son's tennis training, which takes him back and forth between China and Spain. Lin Dan also launched the Lin Dan Badminton Club after his retirement, and it became a success in Shenzhen, where it grew to at least five different locations. Truly, his strong business tactics were paying off, giving him and his family financial stability and a comfortable life after leaving professional sports. On changing nationality In recent months, Lin Dan's wife and son have mostly been living in Spain, leading to speculations about a possible permanent move and even a change in their son's nationality. However, Lin addressed this issue on social media, explaining that his son, Xiao Wu, is only in Spain for tennis training and has no plans to change his nationality. More so, he mentioned that he still runs businesses in China, which is why he often travels between the two countries. Lin Dan's badminton legacy Lin Dan is widely known as one of the greatest badminton singles players in history. He is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, five-time World Champion, and five-time All England champion. He also first reached the world No. 1 ranking in 2004 and went on to dominate the sport for over a decade. By age 28, he had achieved the rare 'Super Grand Slam,' winning all nine major badminton titles. This is a feat no other player has matched. Here is a list of his achievements throughout his sporting career: YONEX All England Open Champion (2004-2006, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2016) YONEX Open Japan Champion (2005, 2006, 2015) China Masters Champion (2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2014) BWF World Championships Gold Medalist (2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013) Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open Champion (2017, 2019) YONEX All England Open Finalist Badminton Asia Championships Silver Medalist Bonny China Masters Champion Maybank Malaysia Open Finalist Incheon Asian Games Gold Medalist London Olympic Games Gold Medalist Victor Korea Open Champion YONEX French Open Champion SCG Thailand Open Champion YONEX German Open Champion(2011, 2012, 2016) Badminton Asia Championships Gold Medalist (2010, 2011, 2014, 2015) YONEX Open Chinese Taipei Champio n (2006, 2014) China Open Champion (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011) Barfoot & Thompson New Zealand Open Champion TOTAL BWF World Championships Silver Medalist YONEX Swiss Open Champion YONEX Brasil Open Champion Thaihot China Open Finalist The Star Australian Open Champion YONEX SUNRISE Hong Kong Open Champion Guangzhou Asian Games Gold Medalist Beijing Olympic Games Gold Medalist Wilson Swiss Open Champion In 2020, Lin Dan announced his retirement on July 4. At the age of 37, he admitted that his injuries and the feeling of constant pain made it difficult for him to continue competing at his level. Lin Dan met his wife, fellow badminton star Xie Xingfang, in 1997, and they began dating in 2004. They married in 2010 and held a ceremony in 2012. Their first son was born in November 2016. However, soon after, Lin faced controversy when news of an affair broke. He publicly admitted his mistake and sought forgiveness, which his wife granted. The couple has since worked through their challenges and moved forward together.
