Victor badminton brand founder Chen Den-li dies at 89

Taipei, Jan. 8 (CNA) Chen Den-li (陳登立), the founder of Victor, a world-renowned Taiwanese badminton and racket brand, passed away at his home on Jan. 4 aged 89, the company said Monday on its Facebook page.

Chen was born in Changhua County in 1935. He founded Victor Rackets Industrial Corp. in 1968 and began producing shuttlecocks, which became bestsellers in Taiwan within two years, according to the company.

Its products are also approved by the Badminton World Federation, so can be used in international tournaments.

Taiwanese badminton ace Tai Tzu-ying (戴資穎), 29, began using Victor badminton equipment when she was a third grader in an elementary school.

Since fifth grade, she has been sponsored by Victor, with the company supplying her rackets, shoes, and other gear.

After hearing of Chen's passing, Tai, who is in Malaysia preparing to compete in the Malaysian Open 2024, set to start Tuesday, expressed her gratitude to Chen for his longstanding support.

"Thank you for your contribution to badminton," Tai said in a social media post.

The shuttler's father Tai Nan-kai (戴楠凱) told the media he was saddened to hear of Chen's death, adding that he and his daughter had previously dined with Chen and his wife and that they all got on well.

The company told CNA that Chen's daughter plans to hold a concert to commemorate the company founder.