Historic Fourth Straight World Championship Win Cements Chinese Duo Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan as Badminton Legends

The partnership’s ascent began in 2017 at the Glasgow World Championships, where they captured their first gold. After a four‑year hiatus caused by the pandemic, they returned to dominate the 2021 edition in Valencia, Spain, and defended their crown at the 2022 tournament in Tokyo, Japan. The 2023 win in Copenhagen thus marked a historic “four‑in‑a‑row” run that surpassed all previous Chinese pairings and gave them three consecutive titles – a feat no other women’s duo has achieved at the world level.

Chen and Jia’s dominance revives a legacy that once saw the Chinese women’s doubles program enjoy a 14‑year streak of world titles, a run that was broken in 2018. Their resurgence has lifted the national team back to the pinnacle of the sport and set a new benchmark for future generations.

Beyond the court, the achievements have resonated throughout China’s sporting landscape and beyond. Social media platforms such as Weibo erupted with celebratory posts under the hashtag #国羽女双世锦赛四连冠, praising the pair’s consistency, tenacity, and the “holy altar” moniker they have earned among fans. The reaction has been uniformly positive, underscoring a deep sense of national pride and admiration for the athletes’ work ethic.

The ripple effects extend to the badminton industry itself. Record‑breaking performances drive heightened public interest, spurring growth in grassroots participation, equipment sales, and sponsorship deals. Brands like Li‑ning and other global sports manufacturers have intensified their investment in Chinese badminton, recognizing the commercial appeal of champion athletes. Moreover, the technical innovations displayed by Chen and Jia—sharp net play, aggressive attacking patterns, and seamless coordination—are shaping coaching curricula worldwide, prompting a wave of tactical refinement at both elite and amateur levels.

Societally, the pair serve as role models for perseverance and excellence. Their story is frequently cited in youth programs and school curricula as an illustration of how disciplined training and teamwork can yield world‑class results. The visibility of their success encourages more people to pick up a racket, contributing to the nation’s broader “全民健身” (people‑wide fitness) agenda and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Politically, the triumphs bolster China’s soft power on the international stage. Sporting victories are often woven into diplomatic narratives, showcasing the country’s capacity to nurture talent and compete at the highest levels. The government’s continued emphasis on “sports power” aligns with these results, reinforcing policy initiatives that fund facilities, elite training centers, and talent identification programs across the country.

Looking ahead, the spotlight will shift to the inaugural HSBC BWF World Tour Finals, now slated for 15 November 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. This event will provide a key barometer of Chen and Jia’s form as they aim to extend their reign, while also offering a platform for emerging talents such as Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning, who have already dazzled with a dramatic semi‑final run at the 2025 World Championships. Observers will be keen to see whether the “Fan‑Chen” duo can maintain their dominance amid a deepening field of global competitors.

In the meantime, the four‑title streak stands as a testament to the pair’s relentless pursuit of excellence. It encapsulates not just a series of victories, but a broader narrative of how elite sport can inspire industry growth, galvanize national sentiment, and project a powerful image of a country on the world stage. For fans of badminton and casual observers alike, Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan have written a chapter that will be remembered long after the shuttlecocks stop flying.