China wants to boost badminton abroad

Beijing, Aug 19 (IANS) Badminton giant China is ready to spread its expertise abroad for the game's betterment, China Daily reported Sunday.

China's dominance in badminton has raised concerns about the sport's future around the world.

However, China's head badminton coach, Li Yongbo, said he was keen to promote more exchanges with other countries to boost the international standard of the sport.

Li made the statement after a star-studded Chinese team claimed all five gold medals at the London Games, the first badminton sweep in Olympic history.

"I hope we have more and wider exchange programs with Britain or other countries," said Li, after watching an exhibition match between a Chinese amateur team and a local amateur team during the London Games.

"We are always willing to work with other sides and support various programs to promote the sport worldwide."

Apart from the five gold medals, China, who won three gold at the Beijing Olympics, also won two silver and a bronze in London.

Only Russia, from Europe, won a bronze while Asian countries took all the other medals.