China will host its first major global sporting event after dropping draconian Covid rules next week, signifying its return to elite competition after over three years.
With the possible exception of last year's Beijing Winter Olympics, which were held in a "bubble," practically all world sports stopped in China as the pandemic struck in late 2019.
However, China quickly dropped its "zero-Covid" policy in December, and international sports federations will be eager to revive lucrative events in the world's second-largest economy.
The Sudirman Cup team event, one of the most important competitions on the badminton calendar, kicks off on Sunday in Suzhou, near Shanghai.
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Women's WTA and men's ATP tennis return to China later this year, while the Asian Games in Hangzhou, which were postponed last year, will take place in the autumn.
Significant athletics and snooker contests will also be, while Shanghai's Formula One Grand Prix will only participate next year. Golf is another sport that is set to return.
"The pandemic years were not pleasant for any of us," said Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen, president of the Badminton World Federation, calling the comeback a "significant moment."
"China has such a strong affinity with badminton that it still feels odd that we've missed out on hosting a Chinese tournament for so many months," Hoyer-Larsen remarked.
The stakes are much higher at this year's Sudirman Cup because it will count toward qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Tennis is making a massive comeback in China starting in September.
On Monday, the ATP celebrated the start of a "new era" by launching an expanded Shanghai Masters, increasing prize money to make it Asia's most significant sporting tournament.
Women's tennis will also return to the country following Covid and the cancellation of a boycott due to safety concerns concerning Chinese star Peng Shuai.
Domestic sports events mainly persisted in China even during the worst of Covid.
Champions from the previous season, China has won the Sudirman Cup 12 times, making them the most successful team in the tournament's history.
