Five reigning champions eye title defence at BWF World Championships 2026
New Delhi, July 22
As the BWF World Championships return to India after 17 years, the spotlight will be on the reigning champions looking to defend their crowns on badminton's biggest stage.
Set to be held in New Delhi from August 17 to 23, the tournament will feature the world's top players, with five title holders aiming to retain their world titles under intense competition.
Here's a look at the defending champions who will be aiming to retain their crowns at the BWF World Championships India 2026, according to a press release.
Shi Yu Qi (China) - Men's Singles
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
- 2025 BWF World Champion
- 2018 BWF World Championships silver medallist
- Thomas Cup champion (2018, 2024)
- Former World No. 1
Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) - Women's Singles
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
- Three-time BWF World Champion (2021, 2022, 2025)
- Two-time All England finalist
- Multiple BWF World Tour Super 1000 titles
- Former World No. 1
Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae (South Korea) - Men's Doubles
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:
- 2025 BWF World Champions
- 2025 BWF World Tour Finals champions
- All England Open champions (2025)
- Multiple Super 1000 title winners
Liu Sheng Shu / Tan Ning (China) - Women's Doubles
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
1. 2025 BWF World Champions
2. Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallists
3. 2025 Asian Champions
4. Multiple BWF World Tour titles
5. Chen Tang Jie / Toh Ee Wei (Malaysia) - Mixed Doubles
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
1. 2025 BWF World Champions2. First Malaysian pair to win the mixed doubles world title3. Multiple BWF World Tour title winners4. Among the world's leading mixed doubles pairs.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's incredible to see Akane Yamaguchi chasing a fourth world title. Zhang Ning's record of three was already legendary, but to build on that is something else. The women's singles field is so competitive right now - this should be a thrilling tournament!
Honestly, I'm most excited about the doubles categories. The Korean men's doubles pair is absolutely on fire right now, and our Indian pairs need to step up their game if they want to compete at home. Also, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei winning Malaysia's first mixed doubles title was such a history-making moment! 🇮🇳🏸
While it's great to have top players defending their titles, I think the timing and venue could have been better. August in Delhi can be brutally hot and humid, which might affect player performance. Hope the organizers have proper air conditioning and recovery facilities.
This is such a proud moment for Indian sports lovers! 🙌 Having the World Championships in our capital is a big boost for the sport. I just hope the ticket pricing is reasonable so that more fans can come and support. Also, let's cheer for our Indian shuttlers to bring glory!
Shi Yu Qi finally winning his first world title last year was so well deserved. His playing style is pure art - those deceptive shots and rally control are a masterclass. If he can defend in India, that would be one of the great accomplishments in men's singles history.
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