Zheng Siwei teaches children some core badminton skills. [Photo/WeChat account: xsgbdst]

Olympic and world badminton champion Zheng Siwei retired on Dec 21, 2025, following the BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou. Retirement, however, marked a new beginning, as he has taken on a new role: Coach Zheng.

At the ZSWing International Badminton Base in Xiaoshan district, Hangzhou, Zheng now spends his afternoons observing training sessions, correcting techniques, and mentoring young players.

The base, which opened last June, features professional courts, fitness facilities, and a rehabilitation center, offering a full-cycle, athlete-centered training environment.

Focusing on youth development, the program emphasizes tailored coaching. Beginners are guided through interest-driven and habit-building activities, while promising athletes receive systematic, high-intensity training. More than 150 children currently train at the base each day.

Zheng said his priority is youth training, guided by a learning-through-play philosophy. Having grown up in Xiaoshan, he hopes to contribute to the region's grassroots badminton system and nurture the next generation of players.

Zheng observes a child in training. [Photo/WeChat account: xsgbdst]