Badminton gym works for the competitions

(BEIJING, Oct. 14) -- "Put it this way, this gym of the Beijing University of Technology is the first venue in the country that gives consideration to the needs of badminton competitions," said Ren Chunhui, executive deupty chief of the venue.

Ren explains that the gymnasium reflects two considerations: the light and the air flow.

The competition field has to be kept a wind-free environment because the badminton shuttlecock is very light and sensitive to air flow, Ren said. There are 9,300 mini air vents distributed equally underneath the spectator seats to control the quantity and speed of the wind.

When the national team came to the center field for training on the 8th, both the coaches and the athletes were very content with the wind speed.

Nevertheless, Ren revealed that the doors to the two side courts might cause air movement. To minimize the impact of wind on the competitions, the organizers will put up heavy curtains in the doorways, in addition to adopting other measures, he said.