These are some of the most interesting things said in and around the world of our favourite sport throughout a unique year.
JANUARY
“No matter what, I will fight until the end because I am Tai Tzu Ying and I will never quit.”
Tai Tzu Ying’s Instagram post before leaving for Thailand for the Asian Leg tournaments.
“We’ve known each other since we were 10 years old from school. Back then, he was short and fat but good at badminton.”
Wang Chi-lin about men’s doubles partner Lee Yang after winning the YONEX Thailand Open.
“I’ve learned to treasure my career because we’ve all wasted nine months and this is a very precious chance to play and I cherish it a lot.”
Ng Ka Long Angus after returning to badminton action in Bangkok following a long pause.
“She will have to change something if she wants to beat me, if that’s what she wants.”
Carolina Marin after setting up a last four duel with An Se Young at the TOYOTA Thailand Open.
“I have to change my flight. I have a flight booked home for tonight.”
Hans-kristian Solberg Vittinghus after his upset semifinal win over compatriot Anders Antonsen at the same tournament.
FEBRUARY
“The dream is to help kids realise theirs.”
Marcus Fernaldi Gideon on why he opened a badminton academy.
“The shuttlecock sets it apart from all sports.”
Shuttle Time National Coordinator of Mexico, Erik Betancourt Luna, on why badminton is special. Read his story.
“I’m five years older, he’s like a brother. We talk about everything and give each other advice.”
Sapsiree Taerattanachai on her relationship with mixed doubles partner Dechapol Puavaranukroh.
“I used to cry every time I lost. Now I work on controlling my emotions and laughing more.”
An on how she has matured with age.
“I want to show the world what we can do. How we use our limited body to do unlimited things.”
Hong Kong China’s Ho Yuen Chan after BWF announced the Para badminton calendar.
MARCH
“If they are not in the top five in the world, I’m doing a sh** job.”
Baptiste Careme is working to make Thom Gicquel/Delphine Delrue among the best. Story here.
“I got into coaching to not be told things like: ‘There’s no place for women’. I really wanted to set an example.”
Wong Pei Tty believes women can achieve anything their heart desires. Story here.
“We first attended together aged 10. We came here to watch for five or six years on the trot, hoping one day we could come and play. Today our dream has come true.”
Callum Hemming on making his All England debut.
“Sport is a place for women too. We have to occupy and massify.”
Brazil coach Marta Lopes wants to see the emergence of more female athletes.
“You can be six or four feet tall and still be the best in the world.”
Rachel Honderich on why women can excel in badminton.
“His name will be (forever) engraved on the trophy as a winner.”
Proud mother Leow Siet Peng following Lee Zii Jia’s All England win.
APRIL
“I just want to play badminton, then read law and find a good job in the Nepal government service.”
Adhikari Prakash, 18, after playing his first international tournament in Dubai.
“I still feel guilty that I’m No.1 in the world and suffered a defeat. I’ll come back stronger.”
Kento Momota’s promise to his fans on YouTube after his surprise loss in Birmingham.
MAY
“I feel so happy to be a champion in the venue that is named after my idol Carolina Marin.”
Putri Kusuma Wardani after winning the Spain Masters.
“It gives a big boost to the sport and more and more physically challenged people will take it up. For me it’s a big deal.”
Manasi Girishchandra Joshi on what badminton’s Paralympics debut means to her.
JUNE
“My parents run a Chinese restaurant, my sister has three businesses and I’m playing badminton full-time. I’m very grateful for everything.”
Nhat Nguyen to Badminton Europe on being able to do what he loves for a living.
“I will miss you at the Olympic Games but hope we compete against each other soon, so come back fast and recover soon. Lots of love.”
Pusarla V. Sindhu’s classy message to Marin after the Rio 2016 gold medallist’s knee injury ruled her out of Tokyo 2020.
“Everybody has something I can learn from. This method works best for me. God is my coach.”
Chou Tien Chen on preparing for the Tokyo 2020 without a personal trainer.
“Now I’m playing not only for my country, but for refugees all around the world.”
Aram Mahmoud on making the IOC Refugee Olympic Team. Story here.
“He was like a cannon on court, very domineering and aggressive. He exemplified the typical Indonesian men’s doubles style of play.”
Fu Haifeng pays tribute to Markis Kido after the Indonesian’s passing.