Rapid surge in followership from 30,000 to 90,000 in just three weeks for a French figure, but a different story off the stage in Asia. The dual lifestyle of the Blues star.
The French badminton team is making waves both in Asia and at home, with their recent successes and growing popularity.
At the Adidas Arena in Bali, mixed doubles specialists Christo Popov and others were held up for nearly an hour due to a long line of fans eagerly waiting for autographs and selfies. This unexpected fame has also translated to social media, with Popov gaining a significant following. In just three weeks, his follower count skyrocketed from 30,000 to 90,000, a testament to the interest generated by his participation in the tournaments.
Popov, currently ranked 10th in the world, values this fame for what it represents: results that reflect sporting success. He hopes that French badminton players will gain recognition in their own country, but for him, fame is a byproduct of achievements on the court.
Participating in three tournaments in Bali in 2021, behind closed doors, made Popov extremely media-friendly. However, he finds the special privileges he receives in Asia, such as a BMW electric car driver and using the back exit of hotels to avoid fans, a bit awkward. He prefers simpler accommodations like Ibis or B&B hotels in Europe.
The French team is not unknowns in Asia, where they are knocking on the door of the world top 10 in their specialty and have shown they can beat the best. The public in Asia accords them respect equal to their achievements. Alex Lanier, the European champion in singles and world number 7, describes his life as "a peaceful little life" after returning to his daily life following the World Badminton Championships.
Lanier's rise as a star in badminton was marked by his victory at the Japan Open at 19. An unexpected moment of fame for him was reaching the semifinals of a Super 300 tournament in India and taking a photo with hospital staff. He recalls this moment fondly, a reminder of the love and support he receives from fans around the world.
The French team is currently in Shenzhen for the China Masters, a major tournament on the World Tour (Super 750). This is an opportunity for the team to continue their success and potentially make a mark on the global stage.
The team's hard work and dedication paid off three weeks ago in Paris, where Delphine Delrue and Thom Gicquel became the first medal-winning pair in the history of French badminton at the World Badminton Championships finals. This victory is significant not only for the team but also for the sport in France, as it could attract more followers and support.
Winning world medals is important to French badminton players because it would make the French follow them, according to Popov. The team's success in Asia is a step in the right direction, but they still have a long way to go to achieve their goals.
Despite the challenges and the long hours spent on the court, the French badminton team remains focused and determined. They are ready to continue their journey, aiming to bring glory to France and inspire a new generation of players.
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