China's Olympic badminton team set off for London yesterday on its mission to win five gold medals during the next two weeks of Olympic competition. However, the team's head coach Li Yongbo, speaking before the team started its journey, tempered expectations, saying: "We have the chance to win five gold medals, and that is our goal, but the probability is not high. Therefore, our base line is two golds."

Badminton has been an official Olympic sport since 1992, and since then Chinese badminton players have won 11 gold medals over the course of five Olympic Games.

This trip to London is Li's seventh Olympic trip, and his ultimate ambition for the team to win five gold medals remains his lifelong ambition, despite his cautious words.

His words, though, reflect the fierce competition which currently exists in the badminton world.

Li added that women's singles and doubles are events where China has a distinct edge. In terms of the men's team, Lin Dan is still a superb athlete and competitor and, barring illness, accident or injury, is a good bet for gold. China also has considerable talent in both the mixed doubles and men's doubles; however global competition will be fierce.

Four years ago in Beijing, Lin Dan successfully shouldered the burden of national expectations by winning gold for the host nation. This time, he also shoulders family responsibilities, and will be accompanied on the trip to London by his wife Xie Xingfang and his parents.

On their return to China, Lin Dan and Xie get married, with the ceremony set to take place in September.

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