BWF World Junior Championships: Chen Long returns to India after 11 years, coaches China to mixed team title

In 2014, China’s bid for a sixth straight Thomas Cup title was spoiled with a shock 0-3 loss to Japan in the semifinals in New Delhi. The procession had started with Kenichi Tago beating Chen Long in straight sets in the opening singles.

Chen went on to win two World Championship title, an Olympic gold and silver, and also became the top-ranked player in the world in the next seven years — but never played in India again.

Call it fate or serendipity but a team event – the first leg of the BWF World Junior Championships – has brought Chen back to India after 11 long years, albeit in a different role.

On Saturday, Chen had the best seat at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati as he watched China beat Indonesia 45-30, 45-44 to win its 15th Suhandinata Cup – the mixed team competition – from the coach’s corner.

Report | China settles old scores with Indonesia, clinches BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships

Chen himself was a member of the title-winning squad in 2007. In the same edition in New Zealand, he had also won the boy’s singles gold. Now, in charge of the national junior singles setup, Chen will hope to see someone from this generation achieve the same feat during the individual competition, which will be held at the same venue from October 13 to 19.

During his playing days, Chen was known as “The Great Wall of China” for his solid defence and stamina. He was someone who didn’t give away much when it came to facial expressions and only let his racquet do the talking. But as a coach, a role which he took after a considerable amount of time post his 2021-retirement, communication is key.

With Junior World No. 1 Mohammad Zaki Ubaidillah helping Indonesia close the gap on China in the team final’s first set, a slightly nervous Liu Yang Ming Yu looked towards Chen who understood the situation. Chen gave him a few tips through hand signals before the next point. Then, at the mid-match interval, he calmed Yu down after an animated discussion. And moments later, the 36-year-old punched the air in delight as his ward attacked Ubaidillah with body shots and drew the error.

Chen Long helped Liu Yang Ming Yu calm down during the mid-match interval.
| Photo Credit:
Screengrab/ BWF TV

Once the medal ceremony was done, Chen could be seen encouraging the juniors to enjoy the moment and take photographs with the golden trophy.

“I’m very excited after this win. We also want to congratulate Indonesia, our opponents. Both teams played a very good final for the Suhandinata Cup. It’s very significant that we could win this trophy,” said Chen after the final.

“The most exciting part was at 44-44 in the second set. We won the tie, and that was according to our expectations,” he added.

Published on Oct 12, 2025