File photo: Shi Yuqi. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Shi Yuqi, a member of the Chinese national team from Nantong, Jiangsu province, was recently awarded the titles of Men's Singles Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year by the Badminton World Federation.

In 2018, Shi beat Lin Dan to win the All England Open Badminton Championships, formally succeeding Lin as China's top men's singles player. Since then, he has led the Chinese team to victory in the Thomas Cup twice and the Sudirman Cup three times, and has secured multiple men's singles titles at major BWF World Tour tournaments.

In 2025, Shi achieved an exceptional year by winning six prestigious championship titles in competitions, such as the Sudirman Cup, three BWF World Tour Super 1000 events, and one BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament, while retaining his top spot in the men's singles world rankings.

During the Sudirman Cup in May, Shi fought a severe gastrointestinal illness and lost 6 kilograms, but he stayed undefeated in the team competition.

In August, Shi, the top seed at the BWF World Championships, encountered many challenges but ultimately secured his first men's singles World Championship title. This victory helped the Chinese men's singles team regain the World Championship title after a decade. The moment Shi fell to his knees and wept in celebration became an iconic image in Chinese sports history for 2025.