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Chinese badminton team seeks 4th consecutive Sudirman Cup title

Chinese mixed doubles players Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin (left) compete in the mixed doubles match against Team Algeria at the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, East China’s Fujian Province, on April 27, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of the organizers.  The Chinese national badminton team started its Sudirman Cup World Mixed Team Badminton Championships on Sunday, with […]

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Chinese badminton team seeks 4th consecutive Sudirman Cup title

Chinese mixed doubles Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin (left) compete in the mixed doubles match against Team Algeria at the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, on April 27, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of the organizers.

Chinese mixed doubles players Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin (left) compete in the mixed doubles match against Team Algeria at the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, East China’s Fujian Province, on April 27, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of the organizers.

 
The Chinese national badminton team started its Sudirman Cup World Mixed Team Badminton Championships on Sunday, with a squad featuring veterans and promising newcomers who aim for an unprecedented fourth consecutive title and a record 14th overall championship.

Starting their campaign for the title on Sunday, the Chinese national team, with squad adjustments after the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, defeated Team Algeria with a convincing 5-0 at the Xiamen Fenghuang Gymnasium in East China’s Fujian Province.

The tournament, the first major world team badminton event in the buildup to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, is considered an opportunity for China to test its squad.

Mixed squad 
In the history of the Sudirman Cup, only China, South Korea, and Indonesia have claimed the coveted title, with China’s dominance in the sport having been witnessed by 13 victories. After achieving a three-peak success in Suzhou in 2023, the Chinese team is eager to extend their winning streak. 

Female singles ace Chen Yufei and doubles veteran Chen Qingchen took temporary breaks from the court, while men’s world No.1 Shi Yuqi has been recovering from a knee injury, and the mixed-doubles pairings of Huang Dongping and Feng Yanzhe, and Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin have been reconfigured. 

The ability of both veterans and rookies to quickly find their rhythm in the group stage will be crucial to China’s title-defense bid in Xiamen.

Facing such a tough competition, the Chinese players remain resolute. 

“The atmosphere of a team event is quite different from that of an individual event,” men’s singles ace Shi told reporters. “Playing at home, with teammates cheering from the sidelines, and the audience supporting us, it will definitely boost our performance on the court.”

Among the doubles pairs, the young mixed-doubles duo Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin, who are making their Sudirman Cup debut, are full of anticipation. 

“I hope to show my best in the tournament and contribute points to the team,” Wei said, before Jiang adding that he is looking forward to contributing to the team on the stage.

Jiang Zhenbang hits a return in the mixed doubles match against Team Algeria at the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, on April 27, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of the organizers.

Jiang Zhenbang hits a return in the mixed doubles match against Team Algeria at the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, East China’s Fujian Province, on April 27, 2025. Photo: Courtesy of the organizers.

 
Men’s doubles mainstays Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, who are also online sensations for their active personalities, are focused on managing their energy properly through the enduring campaign.

“We want to play in every match, but we also need to manage our energy properly,” Liang said, noting his form is on the rise thanks to the playing test in the Asian Championships earlier in April.

Huang Dongping and Feng Yanzhe, another mixed-doubles pair, have their eyes on the prize.  

“Every Sudirman Cup is a unique experience; and this time, I’ll approach the competition with even more rigor,” Huang said. 

Women’s doubles world No.1 pair, Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning, is aware of the pressure and responsibility.

“We want to let go of the pressure and show the power of youth,” said Tan. Having won the Asian Championships, the two are more confident than ever and are looking forward to delivering their best performance with support from the home crowd.

Chen Boyang and Liu Yi, making their Sudirman Cup debut, are excited about a home-court advantage. 

“I can’t wait to feel the overwhelming support from the audience,” said Chen Boyang. “We’re ready to shoulder our responsibilities bravely.”

Global player
Newly elected Badminton World Federation (BWF) President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul from Thailand also shared her vision for China’s role in global badminton. 

“I would always like for China to join together with the BWF to participate in the development of badminton for all communities all over the world,” she told the Global Times at Sunday’s press conference. “What China has done is very impressive and successful.”

Recognizing China’s remarkable success in sports development, the president expressed her eagerness to learn from China’s strategies, not just in badminton but also across various sports. 

“China has become very keen and successful at almost all sports. We will try to find a strategy plan together and strictly work on it,” she emphasized, highlighting the potential for collaborative efforts to elevate badminton globally.

Thomas Lund, secretary-general of BWF, also praised China’s role in developing the sport. 

“One of the amazing things that have happened in recent years is that we have some amazing big events in different cities around China,” Lund noted. 

Multiple badminton major events have been held in recent years in China, highlighted by the annual BWF World Tour Finals since 2023, in Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang Province; the 2023 Sudirman Cup in Suzhou, East China’s Jiangsu Province; and the 2024 Thomas & Uber Cup in Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

Lund also lauded the Chinese national team for its consistent representation of top-level global performance. 

“What we’ve seen in recent years is actually the Chinese players becoming international household names more and more, not only in Chinese homes, but also in homes around the world,” Lund said. 

He also emphasized the significance of Chinese players continuing to showcase their talents on the global stage.

“I think one of the most important things that the Chinese team overall can do is to come out and show the world how fantastic Chinese players are. Having these global stars become truly global is really the future of the sport.” 

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Head Coach, Cross Country, Track & Field in Hammond, IN for University of Purdue Northwest

Details Posted: 06-Jun-25 Location: Hammond, Indiana Type: Full-time Categories: Coaching Coaching – Cross Country Coaching – Track & Field Sector: Collegiate Sports Required Education: 4 Year Degree The Opportunity The Department of Athletics at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites applications for the Head Cross Country, Track & Field Coach. The Position The head coach […]

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Details

Posted: 06-Jun-25

Location: Hammond, Indiana

Type: Full-time

Categories:

Coaching

Coaching – Cross Country

Coaching – Track & Field

Sector:

Collegiate Sports

Required Education:

4 Year Degree

The Opportunity The Department of Athletics at Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites applications for the Head Cross Country, Track & Field Coach.


The Position The head coach is responsible for leading the cross country and track & field program, including, but not limited to the following duties:

  • Plan, organize and direct activities involved with NCAA DII Cross Country/Track & Field.
  • Coach the Cross Country/Track & Field teams in competition.
  • Direct daily practice during the prescribed season.
  • Provide instruction and development for individual/team improvement, teach overall team and individual player strategies, analyze athlete performance, prepare student-athletes for the highest possible levels of competition.
  • Recruit prospective student-athletes within the guidelines of PNW and NCAA academic admission standards.
  • Assist with the development and manage the team budget.
  • Coordinate team travel for away competition including team transportation, lodging, and meals.
  • Construct competition schedule with approval of the Director of Athletics.
  • Assist with the implementation of the strength and conditioning program for the team.
  • Adhere to NCAA rules and regulations for the sport.
  • Assist with academic monitoring of student-athletes to ensure academic success and compliance.
  • Adhere to the highest standards of student-athlete welfare.
  • Assist the Director of Athletics with public relations and fundraising activities.
  • Participate in departmental meetings / activities including serving on PNW, GLIAC, and NCAA DII committees.
  • Direct and manage summer camps.
  • Supervise Assistant Coach. Perform all other duties as assigned.

    Required Qualification & Core Competencies

    This position requires a bachelor’s degree, preferably in sports management, physical education,
    education, or fitness. Two years of coaching experience in professional, college or high school is
    required. The core competencies of the ideal candidate include, but are not limited to:

    • Must have strong team building and management skills;
    • Strong written and verbal communication skills;
    • Ability to coordinate collaborative efforts;
    • Demonstrated experience in program development, management, and leadership;
    • Ability to interact with members of the public and media;
    • Ability to supervise regular and temporary staff;
    • Ability to work across academic/administrative departments in a cooperative manner;
    • Understanding of the student-athletes’ commitment to academics; and
    • Knowledge of rules and regulations set forth by the NCAA and conference should be maintained, reviewed and practiced to ensure compliance relative to those applicable duties.

    The position requires frequent lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds, and up to 20 pounds occasionally.

    Application Procedures

    Applicants should submit a confidential letter of application, resume, and contact information for three references in one PDF file to opportunity@mammothconsulted.com. For questions, nominations, or inquiries contact Dr. Kurt Patberg, Vice President, Mammoth Sports Consulting at kurt.patberg@mammothconsulted.com.

    About University of Purdue Northwest

    Part of the internationally respected Purdue University system, Purdue University Northwest offers world-class educational opportunities at an excellent value on two culturally diverse, student-centered campuses in Northwest Indiana and close proximity to Chicago. Purdue Northwest has approximately 8,900 students and offers more than 70 degree programs at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels.

    PNW sits between Chicago’s skyscrapers and Lake Michigan’s shores. You can have all the perks of a world-class city just a short drive away or enjoy the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan just 15 miles away.


    Connections working at University of Purdue Northwest

    https://ncaamarket.ncaa.org/jobs/21394906/head-coach-cross-country-track-field



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    Tulane Track and Field’s Record-Breaking Freshman Fuels Nationals Momentum

    Silas Kiptanui and Bernard Cheruiyot are headed to Eugene, Ore. to make their debut at the NCAA outdoor track and field championships which begins on June 11. Kiptanui will be competing in the 3,000-meter steeplechase while Cheruiyot will be running in the 10,000 meters.  The Green Wave student-athletes just got back from the NCAA Division1 […]

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    Silas Kiptanui and Bernard Cheruiyot are headed to Eugene, Ore. to make their debut at the NCAA outdoor track and field championships which begins on June 11.

    Kiptanui will be competing in the 3,000-meter steeplechase while Cheruiyot will be running in the 10,000 meters. 

    The Green Wave student-athletes just got back from the NCAA Division1 East Round in Jacksonville, Fla., where both had fourth place finishes in their respective events according to the College Track and Field Rankings and Meet Results. 

    Kiptanui, a freshman, was the headliner as he shattered a 23-year-old Tulane record in just his third time competing in the event. His time of 8:27.28 is the seventh-fastest time recorded in the country this year. 

    The Green Wave will have another freshman headed up there as well. Cheruiyot is also a member Tulane’s cross country team and he shined for them this fall. During the 2024 American Athletic Conference cross country championships he won the 8k with a time of 23:43.5.   

    His time of 29:02.16 in the 10,000 in Jacksonville proved good enough for a fourth place finish, but it wasn’t his fastest of the season. His personal best in this event is 28:31.83.

    Eight athletes from the Wave’s track and field team qualified for the regionals in Florida last weekend. Even though only two are making the trip up to Oregon it is an impressive feat that they had that many there. The men may be running for individual titles, but they wouldn’t be there without the support of the entire team.

    The entire Tulane Green Wave athletic department feel great about the future in track and field, as these two runners should lead the way for years to come.



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    Illinois Boys Volleyball State Championship 2025

    The long high school volleyball season finally comes to an end with the Illinois High School Association state championships!  Its pretty wild that these boys will be going right back to their clubs next week and preparing for Windy City Roundup and AAU Nationals starting in just a few short weeks.  More about club season […]

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    The long high school volleyball season finally comes to an end with the Illinois High School Association state championships!  Its pretty wild that these boys will be going right back to their clubs next week and preparing for Windy City Roundup and AAU Nationals starting in just a few short weeks.  More about club season later as there are some exciting matchups coming up today and tomorrow as we find out if Marist can defend their title from last year.

    If you want more of IL prep volleyball content please take a look at Phil Brozynski’s ILPrepVB and support great volleyball journalism!

    Fri, June 6 Schedule

    Quarterfinals

    10:30 AM CST – New Trier (27-10) vs. Glenbard West (34-5) – Watch on NFHS

    11:30 AM CST – O’Fallon (31-7) vs. Sandburg (36-4) – Watch on NFHS

    1:00 PM CST – Lake Park (28-11) vs. Marist (37-2) – Watch on NFHS

    2:00 PM CST – Lane Tech (33-6) vs. Wheaton Warrenville South (32-7) – Watch on NFHS

    Sat, June 7 Schedule

    Semifinals

    10:00 AM CST – Winner of New Trier/Glenbard West vs. Winner of O’Fallon / Sandburg – Watch on NFHS

    11:00 AM CST – Winner of Lake Park / Marist vs. Winner of Lane Tech / Wheaton Warrenville South – Watch on NFHS



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    FIU Athletics Matches Record with 3.44 GPA for Spring 2025

    Story Links MIAMI — FIU’s student-athlete’s successes in the classroom were on display once again in the Spring 2025 semester as the department posted a combined 3.44 grade point average (GPA), matching the highest-ever departmental GPA.  The Panthers have now posted a 3.0 GPA or better as a department for their 21st-straight […]

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    MIAMI — FIU’s student-athlete’s successes in the classroom were on display once again in the Spring 2025 semester as the department posted a combined 3.44 grade point average (GPA), matching the highest-ever departmental GPA. 

    The Panthers have now posted a 3.0 GPA or better as a department for their 21st-straight semester. 15 programs had GPAs over the 3.0 mark while an impressive seven programs had GPAs of 3.5 or above.

    Individually, 50 student-athletes posted perfect, 4.0 GPAs. Additionally, 249 student-athletes had GPAs of 3.0 or higher.

    FIU’s women’s volleyball program posted the top Spring GPA overall with a 3.74. On the men’s side, men’s soccer had the top Spring GPA with a 3.63. 

     

    Team GPAs for the 2025 Spring Semester

    Women’s Volleyball, 3.74

    Women’s Tennis, 3.68

    Beach Volleyball, 3.67

    Women’s Swim & Dive, 3.64

    Men’s Soccer, 3.63

    Men’s Cross Country, 3.62

    Women’s Soccer, 3.57

    Women’s Basketball, 3.48

    Women’s Cross Country, 3.4

    Women’s Golf, 3.4

    Baseball, 3.38

    Women’s Track, 3.37

    Softball, 3.37

    Football, 3.0

    SOCIAL MEDIA

    General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.



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    NCAA office of inclusion sponsors 4 HBCU student-athletes to attend Black Student-Athlete Summit

    Story Links For Anaya Martin, being nominated to attend the Black Student-Athlete Summit came at the perfect time in her career. “We talked about life after athletics,” said the Tuskegee track and field student-athlete who finished her sophomore year on the team. “You have to think about (the future) now before it […]

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    For Anaya Martin, being nominated to attend the Black Student-Athlete Summit came at the perfect time in her career.

    “We talked about life after athletics,” said the Tuskegee track and field student-athlete who finished her sophomore year on the team. “You have to think about (the future) now before it even happens. If you wait, it’s gonna be too late.

    “That was a great eye-opener. You see so many eye-openers being here, and it kind of helps you realize that you’re not alone.”

    The NCAA office of inclusion sponsored four student-athletes from historically Black colleges and universities to attend the Black Student-Athlete Summit in Chicago last month. The NCAA’s inclusion, education and community engagement team works with HBCU conference commissioners to provide opportunities for student-athletes to take part in this life-changing experience.

    The summit, held May 21-24, united student-athletes, athletics professionals and industry leaders for four days of programming. Participants engaged in career development sessions, financial literacy workshops and wellness activities designed to prepare them for life beyond sports.

    The NCAA sponsored four student-athletes to attend the Black Student-Athlete Summit. From left are Clay Green, Aidan Starling, Ethaliah Edouard and Anaya Martin. (Photo courtesy of the NCAA office of inclusion)
    The NCAA sponsored four student-athletes to attend the Black Student-Athlete Summit. From left are Clay Green, Aidan Starling, Ethaliah Edouard and Anaya Martin. (Photo courtesy of the NCAA office of inclusion) 

    Aidan Starling, a track and field and cross country student-athlete from Grambling, used the summit to reflect on his position coming from an HBCU.

    “HBCUs haven’t always been afforded the same opportunities. It’s usually a pretty stark difference. This kind of initiative, this fellowship, has really given me, as a representative of my school, an opportunity to be in a space and voice some of the struggles we’ve had and learn from people we couldn’t have possibly learned from before.” 

    Starling’s time in Chicago empowered him to see how far he has come while recognizing his future path.

    “There are points of time when I never would have seen myself making it as far as I have,” he said. “When you get out, when you make it, when you get these positions you’re dreaming of, go back and bring somebody else out to where you are.” 

    The Black Student-Athlete Summit equipped participants with tangible skills, connections and pathways to leadership in business, culture and community. The programming brought in speakers from myriad industries.

    Ethaliah Edouard, a volleyball student-athlete from Johnson C. Smith, plans to enter the medical field. An impactful moment for Edouard was the opportunity to listen to a session with a former student-athlete who became a doctor.

    “She was talking about how she learns, how her brain works and how it was a struggle for her to study, how it was a struggle for her to focus,” she said. “It was like looking into a mirror. The things that she described are the exact things that I spent so much time going through.”

    Additionally, Edouard said meeting participants who attend predominantly white schools allowed her to reflect on her own experience at a historically Black university.

    “A lot of them talked about how they’re the only ones on their team, in their school, in their classrooms. They’ve never had black professors. Honestly, it made me appreciate my HBCU even more. It showed me there is so much power in me playing with and being surrounded by other Black girls.”

    Clay Green, a golf student-athlete from North Carolina Central, said the law session broke down the process of becoming a sports attorney, a path he is interested in pursuing.

    Ultimately, Green’s time at the summit will allow him to bring the lessons he learned back to campus.

    “We’re trying to build a foundation of not only just financial literacy but understanding that there’s opportunities outside of sports. Knowing I’m not alone set a good foundation of what I want to talk about when I come back.”

    Meeting other Black student-athletes, administrators and industry leaders allowed these four student-athletes to gain new perspectives, visualize different career paths and see representation in the professional world. 

    “Coming from an HBCU, I already see Black excellence,” Green said. “But seeing it outside of your HBCU is always a pleasure.”



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    Johnson unveils 2025 volleyball schedule

    Story Links FLORENCE, Ala. (June 6, 2025) – University of North Alabama head volleyball coach Tristan Johnson announced the 2025 volleyball schedule Friday afternoon, with the 30-match slate including 11 contests inside CB&S Bank Arena at Flowers Hall. The 2025 season will bring a historic moment on Sunday, Sept. 14, as the […]

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    FLORENCE, Ala. (June 6, 2025) – University of North Alabama head volleyball coach Tristan Johnson announced the 2025 volleyball schedule Friday afternoon, with the 30-match slate including 11 contests inside CB&S Bank Arena at Flowers Hall.

    The 2025 season will bring a historic moment on Sunday, Sept. 14, as the Lions will host the University of Alabama in a volleyball match inside CB&S Bank Arena for the first time. Last season, UNA defeated Alabama 3-0 in Tuscaloosa. In 1975, UNA beat Alabama under Coach Don McBrayer to win the Alabama State Championship. This season will mark the 50th anniversary of that win.

    Season four approaches for Coach Johnson, who looks to improve on a 15-win season from the 2024 campaign. The Lions open with four tournaments in non-conference play, including invitationals at Mississippi State and Houston. UNA also stays in-state for an invitational at UAB and will host the UNA Volleyball Classic in mid-September.

    North Alabama has two standalone non-conference matches against Alabama A&M and Samford before ending with 15 Atlantic Sun Conference bouts. The Samford match will be UNA’s home opener on Sept. 9 at 6 p.m.

    “I am excited to announce this schedule for the 2025 season,” said Johnson. “A tough non-conference schedule is an essential next step for preparing us for competitive ASUN play. I feel this schedule will push our team to be ready to pursue an ASUN championship this fall.”

    The season begins with an exhibition at Arkansas State, set for Saturday, August 23.

    UNA opens the regular season on Aug. 30-31 at the Mississippi State Invitational, facing Grambling State, Southeast Missouri State and Mississippi State. The Lions will play Grambling State and SEMO on August 30 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., respectively. UNA ends the weekend playing Mississippi State on August 31 at 2 p.m.

    North Alabama’s first road match will come against Alabama A&M on Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. The Lions then travel to Birmingham, Ala. for the UAB Invitational from Sept. 5-6. UNA opens on that Friday against Tennessee Tech at 10 a.m. and USC Upstate and 4 p.m. Saturday finds the Lions taking on UAB at 3 p.m.

    UNA will host four straight matches from Sept. 9-14, beginning with the Tuesday night opener against Samford.

    The Lions will then host the annual UNA Volleyball Classic from Sept. 12-14, welcoming the Alabama and Western Carolina. UNA opens with Western Carolina on Friday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. The weekend concludes with a marquee bout against the Crimson Tide on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 2 p.m.

    The final regular season invitational comes at the Houston Invitational, with set bouts against McNeese State, Houston and former Atlantic Sun Conference member Liberty. The Lions play McNeese State on Sept. 19 at 4 p.m., ending the tournament on Sept. 20 against Houston at 1 p.m. and Liberty at 4 p.m.

    ASUN Conference play begins with two-straight home matches on Friday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 28 against Austin Peay and Lipscomb.

    Central Arkansas and Jacksonville open the month of October, with North Alabama facing road bouts against the Sugar Bears and Dolphins on Oct. 1 and 4. The Lions return to CB&S Bank Arena for matches versus Stetson and FGCU on Oct. 10 and 12 at 6 p.m. and 1 p.m.

    The following week finds the Lions on the road with matches against West Georgia on Oct. 17 and Queens on Oct. 19. The West Georgia start time will be announced at a later date, while first serve against Queens is set for 1 p.m.

    North Alabama will end their home schedule with four-straight matches from Oct. 24 – Nov. 2. The Lions face EKU on Oct. 24 at 6 p.m., followed by Bellarmine on Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. Central Arkansas makes the trip to Florence for a 6 p.m. contest on Oct. 29, with the home finale on Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. against North Florida.

    The Lions conclude the regular-season schedule with four matches from Nov. 7-15. UNA heads to Nashville on Nov. 7 to face Lipscomb at 6 p.m. North Alabama then travels to face Austin Peay on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. UNA ends with its Kentucky roadtrip with respective matches against EKU and Bellarmine on Nov. 14 and 15.

    To view the full schedule, click here.

    For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.





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