Exclusive: BWF President Larsen reflects on 2024 and badminton's bright future

In our latest exclusive interview series Talk Sports, Badminton World Federation President Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen sat down with Sport Scene's Zhu Mandan to reflect on his favorite moments from the past year. The Danish badminton legend, who made history in 1996 as the first non-Asian athlete to claim an Olympic title, expressed immense pride in witnessing his fellow countryman, Viktor Axelsen, successfully defend his title in Paris.

The 59-year-old emphasized that the 2024 Paris Olympics showcased the pinnacle of badminton performance over the past year, and he envisions a bright future for the sport as emerging youth talents step onto the global stage in 2024. He spoke passionately about the rich tradition of Danish badminton, particularly after Axelsen's remarkable achievement in Paris.

Moreover, Høyer Larsen highlighted the significance of social media in promoting badminton worldwide, noting its potential to connect fans and players alike and grow the sport's popularity. He also took a moment to commend 2024 Hall of Fame inductee Chen Long for his outstanding contributions to badminton, recognizing his achievements as instrumental in inspiring future generations.