An Se Young and Chinese Badminton Shine at the 2024 Best Player Awards
Leon To
Sat Dec 21 2024
An Se Young has emerged as a star at the 2024 World Badminton Federation's Best Player Awards, becoming the only badminton player to win two titles at the Gala Dinner of the World Tour Finals on Monday, December 9. The event saw a celebration of talent and success in the badminton world, with An and Chinese players making a significant impact.
With 5 titles to her name this season, including the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, An clinched the award for the Best Female Player of the year ahead of the Chinese pair Wang Zhi Yi, Han Yue, and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung. The 22-year-old South Korean player was overwhelmed by the support she received, expressing gratitude for the recognition and the encouragement she received from her peers. An shared a special moment with her idol, Lee Yong Dae, in the Hall of Fame, adding to her joy and motivation.
On the other hand, Chinese dominance was evident at the World Tour Finals Gala, with the nation leading in 6 categories, including 2 out of 3 para-badminton awards. Shi Yu Qi stole the spotlight by becoming the world number one player in June, succeeding Viktor Axelsen, and had an impressive year with 4 major titles. Additionally, Qu Zi Mo claimed his third Best Male Para-Badminton Player award, showcasing his consistent excellence in the sport.
Alex Lanier from France made history by bagging the Eddy Choong Rising Star award, becoming the first European player in 14 years to receive this recognition. Lanier's breakthrough season included victories at prestigious events, culminating in his acknowledgment at the awards ceremony. The French player expressed gratitude for the honor and looked forward to more exciting years in badminton.
Furthermore, He Ji Ting and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela were recognized as the Best Dressed Male and Female Players, respectively, adding a touch of style to the celebration. Olympic champions Lee Yong Dae and Chen Long were formally introduced into the World Badminton Federation's Hall of Fame during the ceremony, highlighting their remarkable careers and contributions to the sport.
The 2024 Badminton Best Player Awards showcased the talent, dedication, and achievements of players from around the world, with An Se Young and the Chinese badminton contingent emerging as notable winners. The event celebrated the essence of the sport, honoring excellence both on and off the court, while setting the stage for continued success and growth in the badminton community.