Indonesia’s Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and China’s Chen Qingchen were honored as the Players of the Year in the male and female categories, respectively, at the Players’ Reception and Gala Dinner in Dubai last night.
The Indonesians, who won six World Superseries titles this year, were selected by the Awards Commission over three other nominees – Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, India’s Kidambi Srikanth, and China’s Zheng Siwei. These awards celebrate the most outstanding players of the year and are held on the eve of the Dubai World Superseries Finals.
“It’s unexpected for doubles players to receive this kind of attention over singles players, so we are pleasantly surprised,” said Sukamuljo. “We had a good year, and this recognition will motivate us to improve even further.”
Chen Qingchen, World champion in Women’s Doubles and winner of five Superseries, was awarded the Female Player of the Year. She emerged as the winner among five other nominees – compatriot Huang Yaqiong, Chinese Taipei’s Tai Tzu Ying, India’s Pusarla V Sindhu, Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, and Korea’s Lee So Hee.
“I thought Tai Tzu Ying would win, so it was a big surprise for me,” said Chen. “This award is a great honor, and I’m absolutely delighted. All players dream of winning it. At the beginning of 2017, I never expected to have such a successful year, but now I will strive to maintain the momentum.”
China’s contingent also celebrated as Chen Yufei won the Eddy Choong Award for Most Promising Player of the Year. Chen, bronze medalist at the TOTAL BWF World Championships, was chosen by the Awards Commission over Indonesia’s Apriyani Rahayu and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia.
“I feel very happy; it’s a recognition of my hard work,” said Chen. “I made a smooth transition from the junior level to the senior level by focusing on taking one step at a time. I’m trying my best to improve. There is some pressure following in the footsteps of my accomplished seniors, but I give my best effort.”
Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota, the Women’s Doubles pair from Japan, were named the Most Improved Players of the Year in a special direct award from the Awards Commission. The two young Japanese players were taken by surprise when their names were announced and took a moment to absorb the news.
“We’re quite surprised to receive this honor!” said Hirota. “It’s a significant award, and we are grateful. We had a good year, but we aim to maintain consistency and continue evolving our game so that we don’t become predictable.”
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Korea’s Kim Jungjun was awarded the Male Para-Badminton Player of the Year, while Thailand’s Amnouy Wetwithan won the Female Para-Badminton Player of the Year.
“This recognition means a lot to me,” said Wetwithan. “It not only boosts my confidence in para-badminton but also reflects positively on all para-sports in Thailand. Last year, I was a finalist for the award but didn’t win. This year, with better achievements, I’m extremely proud.”
In addition to the individual awards, there were awards for the Best Dressed Male and Female Player. The jury recognized India’s Kidambi Srikanth and Chinese Taipei’s Tai Tzu Ying for their standout style.
The evening’s festivities began with a sand artist showcasing the evolution of culture and sport in Dubai, while celebrating the rise of badminton in the region. Dubai Sports Council Secretary General H.E. Saeed Hareb welcomed the gathering of elite athletes and anticipated five days of brilliant action.
BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund praised the Dubai World Superseries Finals as a unique and exceptional event.
“Since its first edition in 2014, the Dubai World Superseries Finals has continually raised the bar. It sets new standards in terms of organization and presentation, and we can all be proud of the legacy it has created – hosting the world’s best players in a world-class badminton setting, witnessing the rapid growth of badminton across the region, and the increased attendance and spectator interest,” said Lund.
While acknowledging a tinge of sadness that this was the final edition of the Dubai World Superseries Finals, Lund expressed optimism for the future of badminton in the UAE.
“I can assure you that badminton has a bright future in the UAE, and we expect its continued growth under the guidance of the UAE Badminton Association.”
FAQs
1. Who were the Players of the Year at the Players’ Reception and Gala Dinner in Dubai?
Indonesia’s Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and China’s Chen Qingchen were honored as the Players of the Year in the male and female categories, respectively.
2. Who were the other nominees for the Male Player of the Year award?
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The other nominees for the Male Player of the Year award were Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, India’s Kidambi Srikanth, and China’s Zheng Siwei.
3. Who were the other nominees for the Female Player of the Year award?
The other nominees for the Female Player of the Year award were compatriot Huang Yaqiong, Chinese Taipei’s Tai Tzu Ying, India’s Pusarla V Sindhu, Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, and Korea’s Lee So Hee.
4. Who won the Eddy Choong Award for Most Promising Player of the Year?
Chen Yufei from China won the Eddy Choong Award for Most Promising Player of the Year.
5. Who were the Most Improved Players of the Year?
The Women’s Doubles pair from Japan, Yuki Fukushima, and Sayaka Hirota, were named the Most Improved Players of the Year.
6. Who were the Male and Female Para-Badminton Players of the Year?
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Korea’s Kim Jungjun was awarded the Male Para-Badminton Player of the Year, while Thailand’s Amnouy Wetwithan won the Female Para-Badminton Player of the Year.
7. Who were the Best Dressed Male and Female Players?
India’s Kidambi Srikanth and Chinese Taipei’s Tai Tzu Ying were recognized as the Best Dressed Male and Female Players, respectively.
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