Zhang: A Chinese by birth, a rebel at heart
In that sense, Zhang’s connection with the US at least helps her in getting to play in international tournaments. But her struggle lies in managing her finances without the help of a proper set-up. “I take care of all expenses. I have to pay for my coach’s travel, my training, travel etc. In the US, I only get allowances for food,” she said.
A FREE BIRD
But despite the hardship — she didn’t meet her parents for three years after shifting base to the US as she had no money to travel — Zhang is content. “In US I have my freedom. If I do not want to play any team events, they are OK with it and that’s also part of what I want,” she said.
“I play for myself so I can enjoy the match. I am not really stressed. I don’t like somebody giving me stress and pressure.”
Zhang today is the world No. 10, the 2018 India Open champion and 2018 Korea and US Open runner-up and is challenging the best in business. “Association is important, they protect the players. Of course if a player doesn’t have to worry about everything, it’s good. But I have proved to other players that if you don’t have support, you still can play.”
There have been several instances in the past where Chinese players have represented other nations. “In China the next generation is almost at the same level as you, so the association gives a chance to the younger players if you don’t perform. We play for you for so many years and you just give up (on us) like that. It’s not fair.”
The domination of China in badminton is at its lowest ebb, but Beiwen insists it has nothing to with the lack of emerging talent.