Jiang Yanmei, now a badminton coach, epitomises inclusion and diversity in sports as Badminton World Federation (BWF) celebrates International Women’s Day. With a badminton career under her belt, reaching a career high of world No.7 in women’s doubles with Li Yujia, Jiang who participated in the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, reflects on her career and her commitment to breaking new ground while fostering a sense of belonging for all athletes, coaches in the badminton community.
Her perspective on inclusion in badminton stems from her firsthand experiences, transitioning from representing China to embracing Singapore’s diverse sporting community where she joined the national squad. Reflecting on her journey, Jiang, 42, who now resides in Singapore acknowledges the power sports has to unite people while recognising the challenges and disparities that exist among athletes from different backgrounds.
“Growing up as an athlete in China and later representing Singapore, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of sports in bringing people together and breaking down barriers,” Jiang told BWF. “However, I also encountered challenges within my own journey and among fellow athletes from different backgrounds.
Through my experiences, I have come to understand that true inclusion in sports goes beyond simply providing opportunities for participation. It requires creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their ability, ethnicity, gender, nationality or socioeconomic status,” she added.
In her various roles within the sports community, including being a BWF Coach Education tutor, mentor, and member of the BWF’s Coach Education Advisory Group, Jiang champions inclusivity and diversity. She emphasises the importance of creating environments where individuals feel valued and supported, regardless of their background or circumstances.
“As someone who has transitioned from being an elite player to various roles within sports, including coaching, being a manager, and a mentor, I prioritise creating an environment where athletes and coaches from all backgrounds feel valued, respected, and supported,” Jiang explains.
In her capacity as a BWF Coach Education tutor and mentor, Jiang implements strategies to foster inclusivity among aspiring coaches from diverse backgrounds. She provides support, mentorship, and additional training to address unique challenges, ensuring that coach education curriculum incorporates principles of diversity and inclusion.
Jiang’s commitment to inclusion extends beyond her professional roles. She recalls an instance during a training camp leading up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games where a para player joined her group. Balancing inclusivity with meeting training objectives posed a challenge, but Jiang and her team adapted the training plan to accommodate individual and group sessions, fostering a more inclusive environment.
“In my new role, I continue championing inclusion and diversity by incorporating these principles into all aspects of my work,” Jiang affirms. “Despite challenges, I’m confident that with dedication, perseverance, and collaboration, we can overcome obstacles and advance inclusion in sports.”
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality and celebrated annually on 8 March.
