New China Badminton Chief Pledges Anti-Corruption Drive After Predecessor's Removal
SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Zhang Xin has been appointed president of the Chinese Badminton Association (CBA) following the removal of two-time Olympic gold medallist Zhang Jun, who was accused in April of serious violations of discipline and law and has not been seen for months. The new CBA chief has vowed to crack down on corruption and purge industry chaos after two other senior officials were placed under investigation last week. China, a dominant force in badminton at the Olympics, is now focused on preparations for the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
Key Points
- Zhang Xin, an official from China's General Administration of Sport, was appointed CBA president on Tuesday, replacing Zhang Jun who was accused of serious violations in April
- CBA vice-chairman Xia Xuanze, an Olympic bronze medallist in 2000, was simultaneously removed from his post after being placed under investigation for suspected violations
- Former vice-chairman and secretary-general Wang Wei was also placed under investigation last week alongside Xia
- The new leadership pledged to resolutely see through the fight against corruption and ensure officials do not dare, are not able, and have no desire to be corrupt
- The CBA stated it would purge industry chaos, purify the industry ecosystem and make preparations for Los Angeles 2028 its central task
Why It Matters
The purge within Chinese badminton governance reflects President Xi Jinping's wider anti-corruption campaign extending into the sports sector, with senior figures with Olympic credentials now caught in the dragnet. With the Los Angeles Games less than two years away, the restructuring of the badminton association raises questions about team stability and performance continuity at a critical juncture ahead of the Games .
The purge within Chinese badminton governance reflects President Xi Jinping's wider anti-corruption campaign extending into the sports sector, with senior figures with Olympic credentials now caught in the dragnet. With the Los Angeles Games less than two years away, the restructuring of the badminton association raises questions about team stability and performance continuity at a critical juncture ahead of the Games .