KUALA LUMPUR: China’s singles shuttler Chen Yufei (pic) believes education is very important even for top athletes.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medallist took a break from the sport in 2024 to complete an English course in Melbourne.
Yufei also felt she needed some time to reflect on her next plans after losing to teammate He Bingjiao in the Paris Olympics quarter-finals.
Fast forward to the present and the 27-year-old not only can speak English reasonably well but has also rediscovered her passion for badminton.
“It’s very important for athletes to study. For me, it was a good experience to get to learn English in Melbourne,” said Yufei.
“I wanted to learn something else other than badminton. My passion for the sport has not changed though. I still want to keep going in badminton.”
Yufei returned to court, refreshed and hungry last February and went on to enjoy a fine year.
The world No. 4 won gold in the Asian Championships and silver in the world meet.
Yufei also captured four World Tour titles including the Singapore Open.
Th Chinese ace has also started the new year well by reaching the last eight of the Malaysian Open.
Yesterday, Yufei came from behind to beat Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan 19-21, 21-12, 21-9 in 69 minutes at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil.
Yufei, who will turn 28 in March, said that she was getting older and was still recovering after a hectic 2025.
“It was a tough match and I’m still adjusting physically and mentally. Last year, I had a packed competition schedule,” said Yufei.
“I’m getting older and for me it’s about taking it one match at a time.”
Yufei will next face another Thai Ratchanok Intanon for a place in the semi-finals.
