In the rigidly disciplined world of China's national badminton team, Olympic champion Zhang Nan found moments of levity in an unlikely place: three-on-three matches.

Originally a casual addition to the team's grueling training schedule, the format offered a rare blend of ease and engagement — a way to stay sharp without the weight of elite competition.

"Badminton training is extremely demanding," Zhang recalls. "When we needed to ease the intensity, we played 3v3. The extra player made the pace more relaxed, but it still tested our reflexes."

What began as a sideline activity among professionals has quietly evolved into one of China's most popular grassroots badminton formats.

On Saturday, in the northeastern city of Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province, the 2025 TotalEnergies Li-Ning Li Yongbo Cup 3V3 Badminton Tournament commenced. The tournament is now recognized as the world's largest amateur badminton event. Born out of a training experiment, it has quickly gained grassroots momentum.

Zhang was there, watching from the sidelines as the once-private training drill unfolded on a public stage. "To many, it may seem lighthearted and fun," he said. "But once you reach a certain level of competition, the intensity kicks in."

In 3v3, strategy shifts — teams of mixed skill levels can work together, and communication becomes as vital as technique. "It's not just about winning," Zhang added. "It's about adapting to each other, being tolerant. That's what draws people in."

Sixteen years since its founding, the tournament has grown into a national fixture, with over 300,000 matches played across 36 cities and more than 220,000 amateur players taking part — a reminder that sometimes, sport's most enduring innovations begin far from the spotlight.

Olympic champion Fu Haifeng has been involved in promoting the 3v3 badminton tournament since its inaugural edition. Over the years, he has watched the event help cultivate a growing community of badminton enthusiasts across China, drawing more people to the sport.

"The tournament holds many stops each year. At every stop, players have the chance to represent their cities, win the city championship, and qualify for the year-end finals," Fu said. "I think that gives people a strong sense of honor and belonging."

"As a sport accessible to all, 3v3 deserves recognition," Fu added. "Sport is an important way to improve people's health and support the pursuit of a better life."

He also encouraged fans to stay committed to their dreams, maintain their passion, and enjoy the rewards and joy that sport brings.

At this season's opening ceremony, Li Ning — chairman of Li-Ning and a former Olympic gymnast — echoed that sentiment. "From professional athletes to everyday enthusiasts, this tournament builds a bridge through badminton," he said.

"3v3 is more than just a competition. It's a platform for spreading the spirit of sports and promoting a healthy lifestyle. It breaks through the boundaries of traditional formats, allowing more ordinary people to experience the delight of playing," Li added.

Li Yongbo, the tournament's initiator and the donor of its championship trophy, has seen it evolve from a training idea into a national phenomenon over the years.

"Championships are for the few," said Li Yongbo, a two-time world champion in the 1980s and former head coach of China badminton team. "But health and happiness are what most people seek. 3v3 offers more people access to those joys, and provides a space for connection and community. In some ways, I believe that's even more meaningful than winning."

To Li Yongbo, the true strength of 3v3 lies in its break from tradition — turning elite sport into everyday recreation. "It makes badminton a tool for family fun, for friendships, for teamwork," he added.

He also emphasized badminton's foundational role in China's broader strategy to become a sports powerhouse.

"In the nationwide fitness movement, badminton is like a key — it opens the door to a healthier life," he said. "It's easy to learn, has flexible space requirements, and offers anyone — from professionals to the general public — the thrill of quick moves and sharp shots."

Li Yongo hopes badminton can serve as a vehicle for positive energy, bringing the spirit of sport into urban life and everyday routines.

Badminton is undeniably thriving in China. According to the forecast report of 2025-2030 development status of the badminton market and supply-demand analysis, the number of badminton participants in China has surpassed 250 million as of 2025, with the market valued at 32 billion yuan ($4.45 billion) and a compound annual growth rate of 6.8 percent.

The new season of the 3v3 tournament is set to span 21 cities across the country, including Shenyang, Foshan, Hefei, Wuhan, Harbin, Hangzhou, Guiyang, and Zhengzhou. Throughout the season, an ongoing online engagement campaign will allow fans to vote for their home cities or the tournaments they support — ultimately identifying the most passionately supported "Badminton City" in the eyes of fans.

This year's event will also release a new study titled "Badminton Enthusiasts Behavior Report: The 2025 Swing Index — Decoding the Wellbeing Value of a Nation in Motion".

Based on in-depth research involving over 10,000 participants across the 21 host cities, the report aims to systematically explore how badminton influences the lives of ordinary people — revealing the sport's deeper impact on happiness, belonging, and the everyday pleasure of play.

[email protected]