Akane Yamaguchi to Shi Yu Qi: Meet the defending champions heading to BWF World Championships in Delhi | Badminton News

NEW DELHI: Winning a world title is one thing. Defending it is an even bigger challenge. As the BWF World Championships return to India after 17 years, the spotlight will be firmly on the five reigning champions who arrive in New Delhi with the pressure of staying on top. Scheduled from August 17–23 at the Indira Gandhi (IG) indoor stadium, the tournament will see the world’s best players battle for badminton’s biggest individual prize. TOI takes a look at the champions who will be aiming to retain their crowns at the BWF World Championships:

Shi Yu Qi enters New Delhi as the reigning men’s singles world champion after finally capturing his maiden BWF World Championships title in Paris. Having finished runner-up in 2018, the Chinese star completed his long-awaited quest for the world crown with a composed and clinical campaign in 2025. Renowned for his exceptional rally control, deceptive stroke play and tactical intelligence, Shi has been one of the most consistent performers on the HSBC BWF World Tour over the past few seasons. A former World No. 1 and multiple Super 1000 winner, he will be aiming to become the first Chinese man since Chen Long to successfully defend the world title.Key achievements

Akane Yamaguchi added another glorious chapter to her illustrious career by winning the 2025 World Championships, becoming only the second women’s singles player after China’s Zhang Ning to win three world titles. Already celebrated for her incredible speed, defensive resilience and relentless retrieving ability, the Japanese star has been a model of consistency for nearly a decade. Despite standing just over five feet tall, Yamaguchi has repeatedly overcome taller and more powerful opponents with her remarkable anticipation and court coverage. She arrives in India looking to extend her legacy with a fourth world crown.Key achievements

Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae have rapidly established themselves as the benchmark in men’s doubles. The Korean pair enjoyed a sensational 2025 season, winning the World Championships before going on to capture the BWF World Tour Finals title and several Super 1000 tournaments. Their partnership combines Seo’s vast experience and exceptional net play with Kim’s explosive power and court coverage, making them one of the most complete doubles combinations in the world. They will begin the defence of their world title as one of the favourites in New Delhi.Key achievements

Still in their early twenties, Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning have emerged as the new faces of Chinese women’s doubles. Olympic silver medallists at Paris 2024, the pair continued their rise by claiming their maiden World Championships title in 2025. Their success is built on relentless attacking play, seamless rotation and remarkable consistency against the world’s leading pairs. Having already established themselves among badminton’s elite, they arrive in New Delhi hoping to successfully defend the biggest title of their careers.Key achievements

Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei created history in Paris by becoming Malaysia’s first-ever mixed doubles world champions. Their triumph also made Toh only the second Malaysian player to win a World Championships gold medal in any discipline. Known for their aggressive style, quick transitions and excellent understanding on court, the pair have developed into one of the strongest mixed doubles combinations on the BWF circuit. They head to New Delhi determined to prove that their breakthrough triumph was only the beginning.Key achievements