In the world of badminton, sweeping all titles at a single tournament is always the ultimate proof of a team's supreme strength.

Historically, only the Chinese team has achieved such a feat at major events like the World Championships or the Olympics, and they have done it four times. Three of those occasions occurred during the team's historical peak period, when legends like Lin Dan and the "Feng Yun" combination (Cai Yun / Fu Haifeng) were playing (2010 & 2011 World Championships, 2012 London Olympics).

Regarding the Hong Kong Open specifically, although it is 'only' a Super 500 event, the last time the Chinese team achieved a clean sweep was already 13 years ago!

Moreover, this reopening of the "five-gold shop" comes at the start of the Los Angeles Olympic cycle and shortly after the team's performance at this year's Paris World Championships, where they reached the final in all five disciplines (winning two golds), making it particularly encouraging!

As Li Shifeng stated, this demonstrates the unity and strength of the Chinese badminton team!

"Each of our disciplines has its advantages, but that doesn't guarantee wins. However, our entire team helps and supports each other. Whether it's the physical trainers or the doctors, their help is immense. Winning gold in all five events is inseparable from the strength of the entire team!"

From the players' perspective, these victories almost all hold special significance.

Since the start of the new cycle, the Paris Olympics men's doubles silver medalists, Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang, had been in a slump, exiting this year's World Championships in the quarterfinals.

But this time, they defeated top players like Indonesia's Carnando/Marino to reach the final, and ultimately came from behind to beat India's Rankireddy/Shetty, breaking an 11-month title drought.

Wang Chang admitted post-match that this title means a lot to them, and achieving a comeback win represents a very positive turnaround!

For Li Shifeng, this victory is also proof of a "turnaround."

As a next-generation men's singles hope for China, he carried high expectations but lost his way around the time of the Paris Olympics.

However, Li Shifeng has gradually recalibrated this year, having already won one title previously. Although he suffered a shock first-round exit at the World Championships, winning here – even while not in perfect physical condition – against a renowned player like Lakshya Sen, whom he trailed in their head-to-head record, undoubtedly boosts his confidence.

Even for Olympic women's doubles champion Jia Yifan, this title represents a breakthrough. After defeating Japan's Iwanaga/Nakanishi 2-0 in the Hong Kong Open final, she claimed her first Super 500 title with her new partner Zhang Shuxian!

Jia Yifan said: "Next, we aim for a Super 750 title! We are constantly improving; today must always be better than yesterday!"

Competitive sports are about constantly challenging oneself; an Olympic gold medal is not the endpoint.

Tokyo Olympics mixed doubles gold medalist Huang Dongping, who partnered with Feng Yanzhe starting in the Paris cycle, has been seeking new achievements. After a second-round exit at this year's World Championships, she bounced back to defeat her younger teammates Guo Xinwa/Chen Fanghui in straight games at the Hong Kong Open. Huang Dongping stated plainly: "It feels great; this is a shared victory for our entire mixed doubles group!"

Similarly, by defeating her teammate Han Yue to win the title, Wang Zhiyi also endured the challenge of competing during her menstrual cycle and a grueling second game that she narrowly won 24-22… including winning one marathon rally that lasted 61 shots…

Perhaps Feng Yanzhe's words best summarize the inspiration this "five-gold shop" reopening brings to the Chinese team.

After reaching the Hong Kong Open final again after a year and winning the title, Feng Yanzhe expressed that the championship and the process were both meaningful: "It bears witness to our every step of progress, every bit of growth."