Li is heavily involved in improving women’s participation and fair representation in sport.

Born in Lishui, Zhejiang, China, on January 4, 1964, Li Lingwei weighed only 4 pounds (1.8 kg) at birth.

In the national team she learned both physical and mental skills under coach Chen Fushou.

She entered the 1981 Alba Quartz Badminton World Cup at 17 years of age, reaching her first international final.

A brilliant all-around player whose court coverage and net play were particularly impressive, she maintained a narrow won/lost edge on her teammate, rival, and sometimes doubles partner Han Aiping.

She coached the Chinese women's badminton team that won the 1998 Uber Cup Championship.

Li has stated that, “as women, we have to work harder because we have so many roles to play – mother, daughter or wife – so most of us are in a very challenging situation.

Despite being heavily involved with multiple associations, Li still found the time to work as the deputy director in the International Relations Department for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Organizing Committee (BOCOG) from 2003 to 2008.

In December 2010 Li became the deputy director of the Network Management Center of the State Sports General Administration of China, replacing the retired Gao Shenyang.

[4] In March 2015 Li served as the director of the tennis sports management center and secretary of the Chinese Communist Party committee, from the official to the main hall level.

On December 28, 2016, Li was elected as vice chairman of the Chinese Olympic Committee in the Plenary Session of this organisation.