Role models

As Team China's core players, Chen Yufei, Chen Qingchen and Jia are all considered role models for the next generation of hopefuls.

Indeed, this cycle has become part of the fabric of the team. Chen Yufei recalled how she looked up to role models of her own during her formative years with the national squad.

"I still remember the first time I was called up to national team. I saw legends like Lin Dan at the training sessions. I was so young and dared not speak to anyone. But I wanted to try my best to prove that I could also make it to the top," she said.

"I'm not that kind of super-talented player, so I need to try hard to improve. Different players have different attributes, so I just need to push my own limits and always try my best."

The 25-year-old Chen Yufei now considers herself something of a veteran, and she's happy to be a guiding force for the newcomers to the squad, either directly or indirectly.

"I'm kind of shy actually. But I just told myself to communicate more with the younger kids. We can improve together — they can inspire me as much as I can inspire them," she said.

That sort of mutual respect has been crucial to the success of the women's doubles duo, with Jia telling China Daily that, even during her junior career, Chen Qingchen's reputation as an elite talent preceded her.

"I knew her many years before we teamed up. She was a promising young kid who played very well very early. I knew her name, and she had long hair with very beautiful eyes. So cute!" recalled Jia.

"We have been playing partners for almost 10 years in the national team. When we first got here, we were still rivals, and one day our coaches told us that you two need to pair up to play the doubles. I never thought we would be playing partners for so long and become the world No 1 pair. The entire journey has been incredible."

Chen Qingchen also feels that time has flown by for the duo, saying: "I never imagined we would end up like we are today. I didn't know how long we could play together or how far we could go. I just spent each day working hard on my badminton."

Even as world No 1, the hardworking principle still applies for Jia.

"It's easier to get a certain point than to defend it. For us, we've been in the world No 1 spot for over 100 weeks. Every time we play an international event, all the cameras are fixed on us and we are in the spotlight," said Jia.

"We need to always think about how to stay at the top. The trick is just to try harder than everyone else. And with the hard work, we also need some luck."

Team China is now focused on adding to its medal collection at the forthcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, and next summer's Paris Olympics.

"I'm from Hangzhou, but I have never competed in a major championship in my hometown. So I am really looking forward to the Asian Games," said Chen Yufei.

"I always hope my performances on the court can inspire others, and I want to bring that positive energy. For the entire Chinese badminton team, I just hope we can win more gold medals. Yes, just win them all."