The Youth Badminton Championship kicked off on May 2 in Irwindale, California. The tournament was co-hosted by the Los Angeles ABC Club and Starz Athletic Union. The event received support from Li-Ning, one of the world's leading badminton brands and sponsor of the championship prizes and medals.
More than 150 youth and adult athletes from across the region took part in the event,which featured over 200 matches across 34 divisions and recognizing 52 champions.
Former Chinese badminton world champion Wu Wenkai and national team athletes attended the tournament.
U15 girl single and U17 mix doubles winners display their medals and prizes at the LA Badminton Championship. (Photo by Crystal Hsia)
Li-Ning Co. supported the event by sponsoring 55 premium badminton rackets as prizes and 156 customized medals for the excited winners across all categories. And the championship medals were specially designed by the USC U.S.-China Institute. The concept behind the medal to highlight the collaboration among athletics, education, and cultural connections.
Gold, silver, and bronze medals designed by the USC U.S.-China Institute for the LA Badminton Championship. (Photo by Crystal Hsia)
“For the medal design, we wanted it to represent what this event is all about,” said Crystal Hsia of the USC U.S.-China Institute, who worked closely with organizers and designed the championship medals. “Since this is the first Stars Athletic Union Badminton Championship in Los Angeles, we chose the shape of California as the centerpiece.”
Hsia said Li-Ning and USC U.S.-China Institute have been strong supporters of the championship awards because they see badminton as a meaningful platform for strengthening cultural ties and encouraging youth athletic development.
A badminton player celebrates after winning a point during a match.
(Photo by Mingwei Song)
“I've been involved in badminton for many years, including at USC,” Hsia said. “Many young athletes thrive in high school. However, they often face fewer opportunities to continue developing in college. We hope this championship provides a platform for them to grow and pursue the sport at a higher level. At the same time, it helps Chinese American families and local communities stay connected to their cultural heritage through badminton.”
Young athletes pose for a photo after an exciting day on the court.
(Photo by Mingwei Song)
For organizers, the championship is also part of a broader effort to grow the sport in the United States. Chen Ying, a former coach of China's national badminton team, said Los Angeles was selected as the first stop because of its large Chinese American community and vibrant badminton culture. Chen said organizers hope to expand the event to cities such as Chicago and New York in the coming years.
Representatives from LA ABC Club and former national coach Chen Ying pose with a tournament player during the LA Badminton Championship. (Photo by Mingwei Song)
“Badminton is still a niche sport here,” Chen said. “But the more tournaments we have, the more opportunities there are for players to compete and for new audiences to discover the sport.”