BELGRADE, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese badminton legend Lin Dan will serve as a promoter for the upcoming specialized EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced during their meeting on Thursday.
Vucic welcomed the multi-time Olympic and world champion, emphasizing that Serbia is proud to host "the greatest champion of all time" to help elevate the global profile of the prestigious international exhibition.
"We are very happy to have you here in Belgrade and Serbia today, and very happy that we will be promoting EXPO," Vucic stated during the reception. "EXPO is a major opportunity for us to present Serbia in the best possible light. The themes of the EXPO are play and music, and therefore, thank you for agreeing to promote it together with us."
Highlighting the relations between the two countries, Vucic noted Belgrade's great pride in its ties with China. The Serbian president also recounted his personal experiences in Shanghai, where he discovered the extent of Lin's stardom.
In response, Lin Dan expressed gratitude and underscored the rigorous effort and collective dedication behind his legendary sports longevity.
He gave Vucic a badminton racket and passed along a small request on behalf of his son ahead of the 2027 exhibition to have the opportunity next year to connect with Serbia's top athletes.
"I am sure that Novak Djokovic will meet you with the greatest happiness and satisfaction. For all the people for whom I asked him to provide that racket, he has always done so. He is the biggest star in this country, he and Nikola Jokic," said Vucic.
According to a statement from the Expo 2027 company, Lin's involvement carries immense significance due to his immense reputation in Asia. The company highlighted Asia as a critical global hub for economic growth, digital innovation, and tourism, housing a massive audience that heavily shapes global trends in entertainment, sports, and new technologies.
"The progress of humanity is based on cooperation, exchange of experiences, and mutual learning," Lin said regarding his appointment. "Sports speak a universal language and therefore connect people regardless of where they come from. These are the values I have strived to represent throughout my career, and it is an honor that, as an ambassador for Expo 2027, I will continue to promote them." ■
