Bhubaneswar : China’s badminton icon Chen Long—the 2016 Olympic gold medallist and two-time world champion—offered a candid reflection after the semifinals of the BWF World Junior Championships 2025 in Guwahati, admitting that coaching brings far more stress than competing as a player.
Now part of China’s junior coaching setup, Chen has been guiding the country’s next generation of shuttlers at the prestigious event. Following China’s dominant showing in the semifinals, he shared insights into his new role and how it differs sharply from his playing days.
> “Coaching is more stressful than playing,” Chen said, smiling but clearly serious about the pressure that comes with being on the sidelines. “When you are a player, you just focus on yourself. As a coach, you have to think about everyone — their performance, their mindset, and their future.”
The Chinese team’s impressive run at the World Juniors reflects the strength of its grassroots program, and Chen emphasized that the tournament serves as a vital platform for identifying young talents who can eventually represent China at senior levels.
He highlighted that while many juniors possess technical skill, the real challenge lies in maintaining consistency and hunger — the same qualities that once defined his own illustrious career. “This is a great opportunity for them,” he said. “If they do well, they move up. If not, it could be their last chance to impress.”
Chen also acknowledged that the responsibility of shaping young athletes is both rewarding and nerve-wracking. Unlike during his playing years, when outcomes depended solely on his preparation and execution, he now feels anxious watching from the coaching chair. “When I was a player, I could control my game. Now, I can only guide and hope they perform. That’s where the real stress comes in,” he admitted.
His presence at the tournament has not only inspired the young Chinese contingent but also drawn admiration from badminton fans worldwide, who remember his stoic demeanor and tactical brilliance on court.
As China’s juniors prepare for the championship finals, Chen Long’s words reflect the emotional and psychological weight of mentorship—a reminder that behind every great performance stands a coach who feels every point, every mistake, and every victory as deeply as the player themselves.
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