With every swing, Taiwan’s badminton players are redefining what it means to aim high.
Badminton in Taiwan has flourished from a modest postwar pastime into a national passion. The sport’s origins in the country trace back to the late 1940s, when military personnel introduced it to the local populace. What began as informal rallies in barracks soon found structure, resulting in the establishment of the Chinese Taipei Badminton Association (CTBA) in 1973. Labeled in international competitions as "Chinese Taipei", Team Taiwan has consistently defied expectations, leveraging disciplined training and a deep-rooted love for the sport to rise among the world’s elite.
According to an analysis by the Ministry of Education’s Sports Administration (SA), more than 3 million people—about one-eighth of Taiwan’s population—now actively participate in badminton, up from 2 million in 2018. This surge underscores the sport’s deep cultural significance. Players like Tai Tzu-ying (戴資穎), who held first position in the women’s singles world ranking for an unprecedented 214 weeks, and Chou Tien-chen (周天成), Taiwan’s top men’s singles player, have inspired a new generation of athletes.
Chou’s journey embodies this evolution. “I started at age five, hitting shuttlecocks in the backyard with my family—it was just fun back then,” he recalled with a smile. Recognizing his potential, his parents transferred him to a school with a badminton training program, setting the stage for his ascent. At just 20 years old, he claimed the 2010 national men’s singles title, a testament to Taiwan’s well-established talent development pipeline. “Parents often worry their kids will fall behind academically if they focus too much on sports,” Chou said. “But I believe that with balance and discipline, it’s possible to excel at both simultaneously.” His resilience was put to the test in 2023 when he faced early-stage colon cancer, overcoming it to triumph at the Hylo Open later that year. His success continued into 2024 with victories at the Thailand Masters and a semifinal finish in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals. “It’s not just about winning, it’s about growing through challenges,” Chou said.
Tai and Chou’s triumphs resonate far beyond elite competitions. Young children mimic their idols’ serves, teens train with Olympic ambitions and adults rediscover their joy in the sport. The rise of badminton in Taiwan demonstrates the power of perseverance, community support and a systematic approach to nurturing athletes.
Strategic Backing
Taiwan’s badminton dominance is underpinned by robust government support, ensuring a strong foundation for player development. The SA plays a pivotal role through initiatives such as the National Sports Development Mid-term Plan, introduced in 1989 and continuously refined since its inception. “We are building a sustainable system that helps athletes compete with confidence,” explained Lu Shu-tzu (盧淑姿), a senior specialist in the SA’s Competitive Athletics Division.
At the heart of this system are the CTBA’s ranking tournaments and cup championships, which identify and cultivate promising players at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Government investment plays a crucial role, with major funding from the 2018 Sports Industry Development Plan enhancing training programs and infrastructure. Since 2020 the National Sports Training Center (NSTC) has also provided annual health care subsidies to athletes.
International collaboration further strengthens Taiwan’s training ecosystem. Under the New Southbound Policy (NSP), young players from Taiwan participate in overseas training camps and exchange tournaments in Southeast Asia, exposing them to diverse playing styles and competitive environments. The initiative also fosters sports diplomacy by welcoming young athletes from NSP partner nations to train in Taiwan. By integrating talent cultivation with international cooperation, Taiwan not only enhances its competitive standing but also deepens ties with its neighbors.
CTBA Office Director Lee Yu-lung (李侑龍) emphasizes that Taiwan’s badminton strategy balances broad public participation with professional development. “Taiwan thrives due to cooperation between the CTBA, the government and major club sponsors,” he said. This coordinated approach is most evident in the NSTC, which serves as a vital training hub for Taiwan’s top players. The center provides professional courts, fully equipped weight rooms, hotel-style lodging, three daily buffet-style meals tailored to athletes’ nutritional needs and academic tutoring to ensure players thrive on all levels. “Doctors, trainers, sport psychology coaches: These services are all SA backed,” Chou said. “The support helped me focus on my game and meet my full potential.”
During the Paris Olympics, the NSTC extended its support overseas, renting apartments and establishing physiotherapy hubs in France to provide an optimal environment for athletes. This strategy contributed to Taiwan’s two golds and one silver at the 2024 Games. Performance bonuses awarded to medalists further incentivize excellence and a continuous cycle of high-level participation.
To maintain its competitive advantage, Taiwan is looking outward. Collaborative projects with international badminton institutions facilitate the exchange of innovative techniques and strategies such as data analytics. “We could elevate our training further by inviting foreign coaches to join national team practices,” Chou suggested. “Different perspectives sharpen our edge.” This forward-thinking vision builds on Taiwan’s stable foundation while incorporating global expertise to enhance performance.
Enterprise Impact
Industry has become a thriving economic and cultural force in driving badminton’s popularity and growth in Taiwan. Companies like Taipei City-headquartered Victor lead the charge, sponsoring top athletes like Tai and Lee Yang (李洋) while spearheading advancements in racket technology. Technological advancements drive further progress, with sports science initiatives such as motion analysis and data-driven training improving precision and performance at all levels.
Collaborations between universities and tech firms focus on integrating cutting-edge technology into training, benefiting both professional athletes and amateur players. Taiwan’s badminton equipment industry, known for producing high-quality rackets and shuttlecocks, continues to lead globally while embracing sustainability through eco-friendly materials. “Gear keeps evolving. My racket is lighter, more precise,” Chou noted. “Today’s sports science and equipment help level the playing field and boost athletes’ potential.”
Corporate sponsorships and community programs also contribute to accessibility and inclusion. The Land Bank of Taiwan’s annual badminton camps, for example, have trained thousands of children. The government’s league expansion plan, which aims to add hundreds of new courts in the coming years, ensures that infrastructure keeps pace with growing demand.
Patriotic Fuel
Tournaments like the Taipei Open have played a major part in establishing Taiwan’s international athletic standing. Established in 1980, it has grown into a BWF Super 300 event, drawing international talent while generating economic benefits through tourism and sponsorships. “The Taipei Open builds our athletic culture by providing jobs, attracting visitors and fueling inspiration,” Lee said.
Taiwan’s achievements are a source of immense national pride, uniting generations through shared success. More than 300,000 viewers tuned in to the 2024 Paris final, while Taipei’s post-Games parade drew 50,000 fans, reflecting the power of sports to inspire and unite. Lee and Wang Chi-lin (王麒麟)’s consecutive doubles gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Games, Tai’s Tokyo silver and Chou’s 2024 Thailand Masters victory cemented Taiwan’s status as a global badminton powerhouse. “Each medal demonstrates our spirit,” Lu affirmed.
“Failure and success shaped me. Winning in 2010 was a high, but missing the 2012 Olympics taught me resilience,” Chou said, reflecting on his career. His message to aspiring athletes is simple yet profound: “Dream big but plan in detail—every step builds your path.” From local courts to Olympic podiums, Taiwan’s badminton legacy continues to grow, fueled by government support, corporate investment and an enduring passion for the sport.
Write to Krakias Kai at kwhuang@mofa.gov.tw