Hainan launches first international badminton education center

By AI, Created 8:35 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Hainan Foreign Language School Affiliated to Beijing Foreign Studies University and badminton champion Lin Dan have launched a new education-and-sport project in Chengmai County, Hainan. The 700 million RMB center aims to train student-athletes through a mix of academic study, elite badminton coaching and international pathways.

Why it matters: - The Hainan Foreign Language School Affiliated to Beijing Foreign Studies University – Lin Dan International Badminton Education Center is positioned as the world’s first and China’s only international badminton education project of its kind. - The project is designed to merge academic education with elite badminton training, a model that could shape future sports-school programs in China. - The center is being built in the Hainan Free Trade Port, where education, sports and international exchange are a growing policy focus.

What happened: - The groundbreaking ceremony and project launch meeting were held in Chengmai County, Hainan, on May 20, 2026. - The launch formally started construction on the Hainan Foreign Language School Affiliated to Beijing Foreign Studies University – Lin Dan International Badminton Education Center. - The event brought together government, education, business and sports representatives. - Lin Dan, Olympic badminton champion and Double Grand Slam winner, attended the ceremony. - Xie Xingfang, world badminton champion, also attended. - Beijing Foreign Studies University Vice President Ding Hao and Chengmai County Mayor Xu Tao were among the guests. - Senior officials from the Hainan Provincial Department of Education and Hainan Sports Vocational and Technical College attended. - Chinese calligraphy master Du Benji and Hong Kong badminton player Ng Ka Long Angus were also present. - After the ceremony, Lin Dan, Xie Xingfang and Chinese national badminton coach Li Zhifeng presented awards to student-athletes from the school. - Lin Dan, Xie Xingfang and Ng Ka Long Angus also took part in an exhibition match. - The event included a symbolic calligraphy presentation.

The details: - The project carries total investment of 700 million RMB. - The campus covers 115 mu. - The badminton complex alone accounts for 180 million RMB of the investment. - Planned facilities include two professional training halls. - The center will include nearly 100 international-standard badminton courts. - The campus will also have sports performance and fitness centers. - Rehabilitation and recovery facilities are part of the plan. - A temperature-controlled swimming pool is included in the design. - The Lin Dan Champions Hall will be part of the badminton complex. - The center is designed to serve up to 1,200 students from primary school through high school. - The school’s philosophy is to integrate sports and education, combine Chinese and international perspectives, and cultivate both character and excellence. - The model is intended to support a dual-track system for academics and badminton development. - The badminton training program will be led by national-level coaches. - The program will use Lin Dan’s “Dan-Style Training Method.” - The curriculum will also include physical conditioning, sports rehabilitation and sports nutrition. - Students will have access to domestic university entrance routes, international higher education options and professional sports careers. - The center aims to cultivate internationally minded student-athletes and contribute to China’s next generation of badminton talent. - The project is intended to serve as a global model for sports-education integration. - More information is available at the company’s announcement.

Between the lines: - The project reflects a broader effort to turn elite sports training into a structured education pathway rather than a standalone athletic pipeline. - The presence of top athletes and officials at the launch signals both symbolic support and institutional backing. - The emphasis on international pathways suggests the school is aiming to attract families that want academic mobility alongside sports development.

What’s next: - Construction is now underway following the groundbreaking ceremony. - The school will move toward building out its academic and training facilities. - The center will begin preparing for enrollment and future student-athlete development once operations advance. - The project’s success will likely be measured by whether it can produce both strong academic outcomes and competitive badminton talent. - The launch sets up Hainan as an early test case for a more integrated sports-and-education model.