Chinese badminton trailblazer Wang Wenjiao passes away at 89

BEIJING, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Renowned badminton coach Wang Wenjiao died at the age of 89 in Beijing on Sunday.

Wang is considered a pioneer of Chinese badminton. He won several national titles as a player in the 1950s. After retiring, he coached Fujian provincial team and the national team, mentoring a host of star shuttlers including Yang Yang, Zhao Jianhua and Tian Bingyi.

During his tenure as head coach, the Chinese badminton team won four Thomas Cups, five Uber Cups, and 56 individual world champions.

In 2015, Wang received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Badminton World Federation, and was granted the "People's Role Model" in 2019, becoming the first sportsperson in China to receive the national honorary title.

"Tribute to beloved coach Wang Wenjiao. Without you, Chinese badminton couldn't be where it is. Without you, I couldn't be who I am," said Li Yongbo, former head coach of the Chinese badminton team.

"Wang Wenjiao has made remarkable contributions to Chinese badminton. As a trailblazer of Chinese badminton, he dedicated his whole life to the development of the sport. His death is a great loss to Chinese badminton," read a statement from the Chinese Badminton Association.