An initiative powered by Legends
They speak from experience, with knowledge and authority. Their journeys have been varied, forging their path through the sport in unique ways. They all know what it takes to reach the top of the game; now, they are focused on taking it to a new level.
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Olympic Medals
Of Inspired Fans
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The Founding Legends
In 2015, four men embarked on a journey. Now, they are thought-leaders who want to push the sport forward.
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Lin Dan
Hailed as 'The King', Lin Dan's journey to greatness saw him rise through the incredibly competitive Chinese junior ranks to become one of the finest shuttlers to ever grace the court. His record of achievement is unparalleled; a two-time Olympic champion, five-time World Champion and seven-time winner of the YONEX All England Open. 'Super Dan' inspired like no other player in badminton history, a relentless pursuit of success allied to his intense on course presence showed future stars what was possible. In retirement, he has become a powerful voice on the future of badminton.
Peter Gade
In an historically strong era for the men's game, Peter Gade held the top spot in the world rankings for three years. In 1999, he secured the Yonex All England title, the dream of any player, and also boasts five European Championship wins as well as five medals at the World Championships. But these achievement only tell a part of the story. What made Peter Gade special was his creativity and deception. He approached the game like an art form, demonstrating his range of shots and skills on a regular basis. His post retirement career has seen him develop into one of the sport's leading coaches, developing young players to approach the court as he did.
Taufik Hidayat
The youngest ever world no.1 in the men's singles, Taufik Hidayat burst onto the badminton scene when he secured his first Indonesian Open title at just 18. Renowned the world over for his backhand, Taufik Hidayat inspired a badminton-mad nation over the course of his illustrious career. The undoubted pinnacle came with his victory at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004. This achievement, more than any other, elevated him to legend status in Indonesia. A World Championship win followed a year later, defeating fellow future legend Lin Dan in the final. He was incredibly difficult to face; his diverse skills across all facets of the game made identifying a weakness tricky. His innovative approach to strokeplay remains a lesson all young players should heed; there is always a chance to innovate.
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Lee Chong Wei
One half of the greatest rivalry to ever grace the court, Lee Chong Wei only started playing badminton aged 11. Six years later, he was in the Malaysian national squad. His battles with Lin Dan became synonymous with our sport; the pair straddling the men's singles format for nearly two decades. Lee Chong Wei held the no.1 spot in the world rankings for 349 weeks, and his 2008 Olympic silver medal made him only the sixth Malaysian to achieve a place on the podium at a Games. He added two more, alongside countless other titles, and following his retirement in 2019 has become an authority on growing the game's popularity.
The Legends
To support the realisation of the Vision, three more Legends have joined the initiative. Each brings a different perspective and journey; each are passionate about growing the game globally.
Lee Yong Dae
At the age of 8, Lee Yong Dae first picked up a racquet in order to become healthier. At that moment, one of the most notable journeys in badminton began. Just 11 years later, he would stand on the podium in Beijing as mixed doubles Olympic champion, having secured a first All England in the Men's Doubles earlier that year. He developed a reputation as a strategic mastermind; he used his versatility as a strength, adapting his game to defeat different opponents. As part of the Legends' Vision, he now passes the lessons learned over his career onto the next generation.
“Being part of The Legends’ Vision means showing the world that influence in sport is about more than winning - it’s about how you inspire, how you lead, and how you give back. In Korea, we’ve built world-class doubles players through trust, teamwork, and discipline - values that go beyond the court. My message to the next generation is this: don’t just focus on skill. Build your character, your connections, and your commitment to the sport. That’s how true idols are made - and legacies are born.”
Carolina Marin
Rising from obscurity in a non-traditional badminton country, Carolina Marin has become one of the most decorated players in history. Her determination to pursue badminton saw her leave her home town at a young age to train in Madrid. This dedication paid dividends when she became world champion at the age of 21, the first of three world titles. In 2016, she became the first non-Asian to win Olympic Gold in the women's singles - an accolade she still holds. In 2024 she secured her second All England title, an incredible achievement considering she had suffered two previous ACL injuries. Her career serves as a golden reminder to young shuttlers of the importance of dedication, commitment and belief.
“The Legends’ Vision is a powerful reminder that where you start should never limit where you can go. I didn’t grow up in a country known for badminton, but I chose to dream differently - and fight for that dream. Being part of this global movement is about showing that the sport belongs everywhere, and that women and girls, no matter where they’re from, deserve to see what’s possible. Together, we’re breaking barriers, telling new stories, and building a legacy that inspires the next generation.”
Saina Nehwal
India is one of the most passionate badminton countries in the world, and Saina Nehwal has carried the hopes of this nation on her shoulders throughout her international career. Badminton, which began as a way to make friends in a new city, became a way of life. A trailblazer, the firsts in Saina Nehwal's career are remarkable: the first Indian to secure an Olympic medal; the first Indian female to reach no.1 in the world; the first Indian to get to the final of the World Championships among others. She is the only player from her country to have won at least one medal in every BWF major individual event. Her impact is undoubted, and now as part of the Legends' Vision she is committed to continuing to inspire the next generation.
“Badminton changed my life - and I wanted to change what it meant for others. Being part of The Legends’ Vision is about making sure no young child is told their dreams are too ambitious, especially in places where opportunities have been limited. In India, I’ve seen how belief and access can transform talent into champions. My goal now is to open more doors, create more chances, and help young players realise that they belong on the world stage. Legacy isn’t just what we win - it’s what we leave behind.”
