"The next Olympic cycle after ⁠the ‌2028 Los Angeles Games may be the best period for French players," Gombrowicz told Reuters. "Over a ​long period of time, we had to ‌develop a culture of performance," Gombrowicz said. PROFESSIONAL APPROACHFormer French women's singles player Pi Hongyan noted the role of international coaches in shaping ⁠the national programme. "Now, young players say they want to be world champions or Olympic champions," said Chinese-born Hongyan, who coaches young players in Marseille after retiring in 2012. Officials and analysts say that sustaining national momentum after the 2024 Paris Olympics and enhancing women's badminton will be critical in the coming years.

Source: The Star February 26, 2026 22:40 UTC