Two international students have become living testaments to sport's unifying power. Kho Yap Hong from Malaysia and Nguyen Thi Thuy Van from Vietnam shared their academic journeys in China during an interview with CGTN Sports Scene, revealing how badminton became a bridge for cultural understanding.
From Court to Classroom
Kho, a Beijing Sport University student and former Malaysian junior national badminton player, credits his Chinese coach and admiration for Chinese athletes for fulfilling his childhood dream of studying in China. 'Learning directly from world champion professors gives our training sessions unparalleled depth,' he remarked.
Language Through Legendary Dramas
Nguyen of Beijing Jiaotong University found unexpected linguistic benefits from watching Chinese historical dramas. The Vietnamese student explained: 'Between badminton matches with my brother, these shows became my gateway to mastering Mandarin and appreciating cultural nuances.'
Friendship Through Feathers
Both students emphasized badminton's social value. 'Every smash and drop shot helps break language barriers,' Nguyen said. Kho added: 'Shared passion creates instant camaraderie – we've built lifelong friendships on these courts.' Their experiences highlight how athletic exchanges contribute to people-to-people diplomacy across Asia.
