Chinese diplomat claims at the India Open that badminton can help improve the relation between the two countries

First Secretary of the Chinese embassy Wang Tong believes that the sport of badminton can improve diplomatic ties and relations between China and India.

Wang Tong, a first secretary at the Chinese embassy in New Delhi, was at the KD Jadhav arena to catch the action at the India Open badminton live. A massive enthusiast for the sport while also being a recreational player on the embassy court, Tong’s biggest takeaway was the massive support that the Chinese players received in front of the Indian fans in the country capital.

He was overjoyed by the incident and believes that the popularity of badminton can improve the diplomatic and people-to-people ties between the two countries as players and fans continue to bond over drop shots, smashes, and scorelines.

“We see badminton as something that can help improve people to people ties. It’s been nice to see Indian fans cheer for some Chinese stars, and there are these massive posters of them (of Indian and Chinese players) around the stadium. We met an Indian couple that said they appreciated our players,” Tong said.

Given the tense border dispute as well as the strained diplomatic ties that exists between the two nations, Tong believes that inviting the Indian shuttlers as well as a media contingent to play badminton on the court in the embassy could be a small but important step in dousing fire and improving the goodwill between the two nations.

 “The embassy has a lot of young diplomats and we play badminton at our indoor court that we have. We would love to host India’s top names and media once on our courts and organise a tournament.

“Badminton events are also good to meet up with Indian dignitaries,” Tong added.

Tong mentioned that a contingent from the Chinese embassy decided to catch the India Open together in order to support their top badminton stars. They also acknowledged India’s growing stature in the sport as well as the popularity of badminton in the country.

An unprecedented nine arena stands of the stadium filled up to watch finals featuring no Indians, but the biggest contemporary names on the global Tour.

“We’re here to celebrate China’s entry into badminton finals. It’s good to watch India successfully hosting a big event, and see such enthusiastic crowds who love the sport. India has so many top stars. Sindhu has done so well. Now Lakshya Sen. Srikanth was a very powerful player,” Tong said.

“There are around 20 of us diplomats here rooting for China. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see the best shuttlers from around the world,” he added.