72-Year-Old’s Badminton Passion: 25 Years and Counting
- BEIJING (AP) — In Xiamen, China, a 72-year-old woman is proving that age is just a number when it comes to passion and athleticism.
- Zhou's journey began more than two decades ago when she met a skilled badminton player in Xiamen who inspired her to take up the sport.
- Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, she's on the court by 8:30 a.m., playing until 10 a.m.
72-Year-Old Badminton Enthusiast Aims High, Credits Sport for Vitality
BEIJING (AP) — In Xiamen, China, a 72-year-old woman is proving that age is just a number when it comes to passion and athleticism. Zhou Jihong, a dedicated badminton player for 25 years, attributes her physical and mental well-being to the sport she loves.
A Quarter-Century of Shuttlecocks and Success
Zhou’s journey began more than two decades ago when she met a skilled badminton player in Xiamen who inspired her to take up the sport. “From then on, it’s been a ‘happy road’ of badminton,” Zhou saeid. “The more you play, the happier you get. Once you persist, you reach 25 years.”
Now, badminton is an essential part of her routine. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, she’s on the court by 8:30 a.m., playing until 10 a.m. She says the sport has significantly improved her health. “My daughter and I went for a physical examination together. The doctor said that my physical health indicators were better than my daughter’s,” Zhou told reporters.
Beyond the physical benefits, Zhou believes badminton keeps her mind sharp. “Playing badminton not only allows me to stretch my limbs but also requires me to constantly think about tactics and respond in time,so that my mind will become more and more flexible,” she explained.
Trophy Case Overflowing
zhou’s dedication has translated into competitive success.Recent achievements include first-place finishes in women’s doubles at the 34th National Middle-aged Badminton Invitational Tournament in 2019 (130-year-old group) and the 36th edition in 2024 (140-year-old group). Her home boasts hundreds of trophies, a testament to her skill and commitment.
“Sister zhou”: A Respected Player
At the Xiamen sports Center Comprehensive Pavilion, zhou is a well-known and respected figure.Fellow badminton enthusiasts greet her warmly, and many affectionately call her “Sister Zhou.”
Zhang Qixiong, 73, explained the nickname: “Although I am older than her, she has better skills, so she calls her ‘sister,’ which is a kind of respectful title.”
Zhou remains humble despite the praise. “I can’t say that I’m very skilled, but I just love playing badminton,” she said.
Friendship and Optimism on the Court
For Zhou, badminton is more than just a sport; it’s a source of camaraderie and positivity. ”Playing badminton has made me meet many good friends,” she said. “Peopel who play badminton are optimistic and cheerful and have a positive attitude. When she gets along with badminton enthusiasts, she is very happy every day. I feel that life is fast, and I have played for more than 20 years without realizing it, and I am in my 70s all at once.”
Wang Shuzhuo, Zhou’s 68-year-old badminton partner, echoed this sentiment.”My old partner, Sister Zhou, often goes all over the country to play games, so I also play with her all over the country,” Wang said, describing Zhou as an extroverted, lively, and passionate competitor.
The pair enjoys challenging strong opponents, sometimes facing younger women’s doubles teams or even men’s doubles pairs. “It’s a good match,” Zhou said. “If the game is not confrontational enough, you can’t be very excited when you fight.”
While competitive, Zhou emphasizes the joy of playing. “Our physical functions inevitably go backwards as we get older, but I feel happy playing with young people and feel that my ball skills have gone to the next level.”
Eyes on the Sudirman Cup
Inspired by 85-year-old Chen tianlai, who remains active on the court, Zhou hopes to continue playing badminton for many years to come. She emphasizes the importance of warming up and protecting her body to prevent injuries.
Earlier this year, Zhou participated in an elderly badminton competition organized by the Xiamen Senior Sports Association, where she was the oldest athlete. reflecting on the experiance, she wrote, “Being able to persist in playing basketball and participating in the game is victory.”
Looking ahead, zhou is excited about the upcoming 2025 Sudirman Cup, a major international badminton tournament. She noted that many elderly badminton enthusiasts have purchased tickets and are eager to enjoy the competition.
Badminton, Age & Vitality: A Q&A with Zhou Jihong
What does it take too stay incredibly active and accomplished in your 70s? For Zhou Jihong of Xiamen, China, the answer is simple: passion, dedication, and a love for badminton. This Q&A delves into Zhou’s inspiring journey, offering insights into her success, health, and the joy she finds in the sport she loves.
A: Zhou Jihong is a remarkable 72-year-old badminton enthusiast from Xiamen, China. Her claim to fame? Maintaining exceptional fitness and competitive success for 25 years through her dedication to the sport. she’s a role model, proving that age is not a barrier to athleticism or enjoyment.
A: Zhou has been playing badminton for 25 years. Her journey commenced when she met a skilled badminton player who inspired her to take up the sport. This initial introduction flourished into a lifelong love of badminton, transforming into a daily routine and an integral part of her life.
A: Badminton is an essential part of Zhou’s week.She hits the court three times a week – every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Her sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and last until 10 a.m. This consistency showcases her dedication and emphasis on a healthy lifestyle.
A: Badminton has had a significant positive impact on Zhou’s health. She reports that her physical health indicators were superior to those of her daughter’s in a recent examination. Beyond just physical enhancements, she believes that badminton keeps her mind sharp. “Playing badminton…requires me to constantly think about tactics and respond in time, so that my mind will become more and more flexible,” she explained.
A: Zhou’s commitment has produced remarkable competitive results. Her achievements include first-place finishes in women’s Doubles at the National Middle-aged Badminton Invitational tournament: in 2019 (130-year-old group) and again in 2024 (140-year-old group).At home, she has hundreds of trophies as a testament to her badminton achievements.
A: Zhou is affectionately known as “Sister Zhou” at the Xiamen Sports center among badminton enthusiasts. the name reflects the respect and admiration her skills earn her. Zhang Qixiong,a badminton friend,emphasized the nature of the nickname: despite his greater age relative to Zhou,her superior skillset led them all to call her “sister” in admiration.
A: Zhou values badminton for both its social aspect and its capacity to create an habitat of optimism. “Playing badminton has made me meet many good friends,” she states. She feels a strong sense of camaraderie and positivity, and feels that badminton players are optimistic and cheerful people.
A: Zhou often teams up with Wang Shuzhuo, a 68-year-old badminton partner. They enjoy traveling and competing as a team,with Wang describing Zhou as “extroverted,lively,and passionate.” They enjoy challenging all opposing teams.
A: Zhou hopes to keep playing badminton for many years to come, motivated by the example of other active senior athletes. She’s eager about the forthcoming 2025 Sudirman Cup, an international badminton tournament. She emphasizes the importance of warming up and protecting her body to avoid injuries.
A: zhou’s story is an inspiration. She demonstrates that with passion, consistency, and a positive outlook, it’s possible to lead an active and fulfilling life at any age. Her dedication to badminton isn’t just about winning; it’s about the joy of the game, the friendships it fosters, and the lifelong benefits to mind and body.
Further reading:
- [Link to a blog post about the health benefits of badminton]
- [Link to a resource on staying active as you age]
- [Link to badminton rules and regulations]
Disclaimer: This article is based on the provided content and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen.