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	news.gov.hk
	From Hong Kong's Information Services Department

April 26, 2008

Olympics

Badminton star eyes Beijing

Many Olympic athletes subject their bodies to gruelling physical excess to achieve golden glory. But Hong Kong's Olympic badminton hopeful Yip Pui-yin's aspirations do not involve the garnering of medals, fame and fortune.

The 21-year-old exclusively told news.gov.hk she is more interested in the spiritual enlightenment the Beijing Olympics can give her. Unlike most athletes, Yip has chosen to adhere to the Olympic spirit of sportsmanship rather than obsess over her victory tally.

She said her goal is to perform at her best, and achieving that will be reward in itself. "Just being part of the Games is my dream and I am really looking forward to participating."

Beijing dreams: Local Olympic badminton hopeful Yip Pui-yin tells news.gov.hk savouring the Olympic spirit will be more rewarding to her than winning a gold medal, despite the arduous training required to compete.

Olympic qualification

And that dream remains to be confirmed, as Yip eagerly awaits the World Badminton Federation's latest rankings next month. The results will decide whether she is qualified to compete in the 2008 Olympics.

But she is confident of sealing her place in the Games as she earned many ranking points by coming third in the recent Badminton Asia Championships.

On her preparation for the Games, the rising star said she is working to maximise her competitive advantages and overcoming her weaknesses by August.

"Playing badminton involves many aspects - fitness, technique, flexibility and reflexes. Speed and strength are my advantages but my technique and rhythm needs improvement and I am working on these."

Modest determination

Since she won a silver medal in the women's singles event at 2006 Doha Asian Games her technique has been heavily scrutinised by rivals. Despite this, Yip said she will not change her style and match strategy.

If selected to compete she said she will perform her best for Hong Kong, adding her plan is to enjoy the Games by competing without the stress of being preoccupied with winning.

"Having the Olympics means a lot to the Chinese because it is the first time China has hosted it. I am looking forward to participating in it and will help promote the event.

"It is also a great honour for Hong Kong to host a leg of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay. The May 2 Hong Kong leg of the relay has become a hot topic in town and will help build the Olympic atmosphere in Hong Kong."