China badminton great Lin Dan wants more freedom for athletes
Olympic champion says less restrictions could help younger players come through
Lin Dan, widely regarded as the greatest men’s singles player in badminton history, marked his return to the All-England Open with an appeal for his fellow professionals to be given more freedom.
The Olympic champion from China said Tuesday he wants professional players to be allowed more choice in where and when they play, something which might have been regarded as an anathema in his country only a short time ago.
“Athletes are a crucial part of the sport,” said Lin, who has reappeared at the world’s oldest event here in preparation for a bid to qualify for the Rio Olympics.
“We should lower the barriers to entry for professional players so they can sign up [for tournaments] themselves.
“That might help younger players come through as well as prolong older players’ careers,” added Lin.
The Chinese superstar believes the longevity of great players, such as Lee Chong Wei, the reigning All-England champion from Malaysia, and two other former world number ones, Peter Gade of Denmark, and Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia, may have delayed the onset of a new wave.
Lin’s opinions were supported by Gade, who believes most players will only be able to make their own decisions when supported by their own organisation.