Yipeng Jiang, an Applied Mathematics and Computational Sciences major from the class of 2027, the captain of the DKU Badminton Varsity Team. Yipeng began playing badminton at the age of 7 and quickly developed a deep love for the sport. At just 12 years old, he earned second place in the national badminton competition. On April 2024, he proudly represented DKU by winning second place in the UNNC Robin Hood Cup.
Yipeng Jiang, Class of 2027
Q: How has playing badminton shaped your experience at DKU?
Badminton has been a major influence on my experience at DKU. It has significantly honed my teamwork skills, especially when I had to compete as a team. But mostly, it has taught me the value of perseverance and true sportsmanship. I am always encouraged to keep fighting even when the odds are against me. For example, there was a game where I was in a losing position with a score difference of 13-18 (the winning score was 21). Despite the odds, I kept pushing forward and ended up winning the match. Experiences like these remind me to never give up, both in sports and in life. Every time I face a setback, I remind myself of that match and how determination can lead to success.
Yipeng playing in the badminton team
Q: How do you balance sport and your studies?
Health is my priority, so I always make time for exercise regardless of my schedule. During the week, I must attend regular badminton training twice a week, each lasting two and a half hours. On the days I’m not training, I go to the gym or engage in other physical activities to stay in shape. On weekends, I dedicate time to studying and catching up on assignments. This routine has greatly improved my time management skills. I believe that playing sports has taught me discipline, which helps me maintain focus on both my studies and athletic goals.
Q: How do you think the athletic community at DKU had helped you during your journey?
Honestly, I believe that a positive environment is extremely important. At DKU, I am surrounded by many students who are very passionate about sports, and that enthusiasm is contagious. It is a huge motivation for me to keep exercising and pushing my limits. My coach and team members are always supportive of me during competitions. Their encouragement makes me feel respected and valued as a member of the team. They motivate me to work even harder to promote the athletic community at DKU and encourage more students to get involved in sports and embrace a healthy lifestyle.
Yipeng at the badminton competition at Sino-Foreign University Cup (UNNC)
Q: What do you hope to achieve in the future as an athlete and beyond?
At DKU, my main goal is to win at least one championship before I graduate. On a personal level, I wish I will be able maintain a consistent exercise routine and prioritize my physical health. Additionally, I hope to build more confidence in trying out other new sports. Exploring new things will not only cultivate my diverse interests but also allow me to meet with different people from diverse backgrounds. I think it’s important to keep challenging myself and embracing the unknown.
Yipeng cheering for himself during the competition
Q: What has been your most memorable moment as part of the DKU Badminton Team?
My most memorable moments are when my teammates and I collectively complete challenging training sessions every week. To me, there’s something inspiring in seeing everyone pushing their limits and striving for improvement as a group. Those moments of shared effort and determination are truly special.
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