Well, while they are not to be trained to be models, which is totally correct, you have to care for your looking if you want to gain (more) badminton fans' favour. You may say that's pretty sketchy, but it's how people live and think. If you're good at something, you will be respected. If you're good looking too, you will be adored. Back to topic: So sad to see her not gaining another WC-title, since the WC-title she gained was with a partner she didn't like at all. I truly wish she had won a WC with Xu Chen. Without ZN and ZYL in their era, I'm sure they would have all the precious major titles.
Sad. Rules are different for male players or males in general. Even our badminton is not immune to sexism.
Whilst it's true people are praised for their good looks, it is very unfair amd demeaning to see people criticised for not being good looking.
You know, just today I saw an article from sportskeeda on this very problem. See India Badminton thread.
Yes especially when they are not good looking and no effort to make them look better. It seems they cannot take care of themselves. Good examples: Wang Xiaoli, Wei Yili, maybe they are not pretty but it seems they dress well and make them look nice.
What a beautiful picture! Ma Jin looks awesome here What's she doing now after leaving the NT? Still playing badminton in club competition? Best wishes to her, a long time serving (for how many years exactly in the int'l circuit?) great double player!