Badminton icons Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan welcomed Saina Nehwal and Carolina Marin into the Yonex Legends’ Vision stable in Kuala Lumpur in efforts to grow the influence of the sport in India and the European region.

With the addition of both these women’s singles stars’, the Legends’ Vision now comprises Lee, Lin, Nehwal, Marin, Peter Gade, Taufik Hidayat and Lee Yong-dae.

The special induction ceremony was held on Monday, with Indian shuttler Saina present.

Spaniard Marin was unable to attend as she was down with the Influenza virus.

The addition of Nehwal was clear: It is to spread the reach of badminton through her influence and prestige in India.

The 33-year-old has carved out a compelling career that includes over 23 titles, dominating top spot on the world ranking in 2015 and winning an Olympic bronze three years prior.

The former world championships silver medalist vowed to inspire young kids in India through her ambassadorship.

“So many kids have come up to me and told me they want to become champions like Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei. Through this collaboration we can reach out and inspire future badminton stars.

“Cricket is still the number one sport in India, but badminton is catching up fast. Growing up my parents sacrificed a lot for me by moving from the north to south of India, as the southern region had plenty of academies.

“As I kid I used to dream of excelling on the world stage, and my parents helped make it happen. Now we can do the same for our future generation,” she said.

Marin, meanwhile, succeeded in a country where badminton is largely an unknown sport before her emergence.

The fiery shuttler made the world take notice after she clinched the 2016 Olympic gold and helped herself to three world championships titles.

The southpaw, in a video call, pledged to do her best to promote the game through her new role.

Lee, meanwhile, hoped future Legends’ Vision events will be held outside Kuala Lumpur.

“I hope to see this event happen in states like Sabah and Sarawak, and even my hometown Penang,” he said.