Badminton, a fast-paced and thrilling sport, has produced some exceptional athletes who have pushed the boundaries of skill and achievement.
Today, we will delve into the world of badminton and explore the remarkable journeys of these top players who have risen to the pinnacle of the sport.
From Chen Long’s two-time World Champion status to Tai Tzu-Ying’s unparalleled skills, here are the top 10 best badminton players in the world:
10. Chen Long
Chen Long is a Chinese professional badminton athlete popular for being a two-time World Champion, All-England Champion, and presently triumphed Olympics winner.
Chen Long’s triumph at the Olympics solidified his position as a legendary player in badminton history.
With 31 singles titles under his belt, including various BWF World Tour, BWF Super Series, and BWF Super Series Premier titles, he has consistently displayed his prowess on the court.
He has a ranking of 4th in badminton worldwide as per the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
He has won bronze (2012) and gold (2016) medals in the Olympics Singles Games and won 2 gold medals (2014,2015) and 2 bronze medals (2017,2018) in the World Championship Games.
9. Ratchanok Intanon
Ratchanok Intanon, the first Thai woman to reach the number one rank in badminton women’s singles, is a force to be reckoned with on the court.
Known for her graceful movements and exceptional footwork, she has often been referred to as “balletic” by commentators. Ratchanok Intanon’s achievements include winning the BWF World Junior Championships three times, which earned her the Best Female Athlete Award in Thailand.
Moreover, she became the first Thai singles athlete to secure the Asia Championship in 2015, held in China.
8. P. V. Sindhu
Pusarla Venkata Sindhu, an incredibly talented Indian badminton athlete, has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Her journey to the international stage began in 2009, and since then, she has reached the pinnacle of success.
In 2017, Sindhu achieved a remarkable world ranking of No. 2.
Her list of accolades includes a gold medal at the 2019 World Championships, making her the first Indian to become the Badminton World Champion.
She also clinched a silver medal at the Olympics, etching her name in history.
Sindhu’s numerous victories in tournaments, including the China Open and titles in South Korea and India, highlight her exceptional talent.
In addition, she earned silver medals in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games in 2018.
Her outstanding performances have been recognized with prestigious awards like the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and the Padma Shri.
7. Viktor Axelsen
Viktor Axelsen, hailing from Denmark, has proven himself to be a formidable player in the world of badminton.
Crowned the World Champion in 2017, he has consistently showcased his skills and dedication on the court.
Axelsen’s achievements extend to winning the World Junior Championships in 2010, making him the first European athlete to claim that title.
He has also claimed the European men’s singles championship in 2016 and 2018. With victories in prestigious tournaments like the Swiss Open and European Championships, Axelsen has solidified his place among the top players.
Currently ranked 4th by the BWF, he continues to excel in the sport.
6. Anders Antonsen
Anders Antonsen, another Danish badminton athlete, has been making waves with his exceptional talent and achievements.
His gold medal victory at the 2015 European Junior Championships and the European Young Player of the Year Award earned him recognition early in his career.
Antonsen’s list of triumphs includes winning the Minsk European Games in 2019 and securing a silver medal at the European Championships in 2017 and the World Championships in 2019.
His dominance in the National Championship, winning it three times consecutively from 2017 to 2019, and clinching the BWF World Tour championship highlight his skills on the court.
Currently ranked 13th in the world, Antonsen continues to impress with his performances.
5. Chou Tien-chen
Chou Tien-Chen, a badminton athlete representing Chinese Taipei, has emerged as a prominent player in the sport.
His victory at the Chinese Taipei Open in 2016 made him the first local shuttler in 17 years to claim the men’s singles title, a remarkable achievement.
Chou Tien-Chen has clinched several notable victories, including the BWF Super Series championship at the 2014 Yonex French Open.
His consistent success is evident from his three consecutive Bitburger Open Grand Prix Gold medals from 2012 to 2014.
He has also secured silver and bronze medals in the Asian Games and Asian Championships, respectively.
Currently holding the 6th spot in the BWF World Rankings, Chou Tien-Chen continues to shine in the sport.
4. Akane Yamaguchi
Akane Yamaguchi, a highly regarded badminton athlete from Japan, has established herself as a force to be reckoned with.
She became the first Japanese athlete to hold the top spot in the BWF women’s singles rankings, reflecting her exceptional skills on the court.
Yamaguchi has triumphed in various championships, including winning the National Championships three times and the BWF Super Series Finals in 2017.
Her impressive achievements also include a gold medal in the Asian Games in 2018 and a bronze medal in the BWF World Championships in 2018.
Notably, her success extends to the BWF Junior Championships, where she won two gold medals and one silver medal.
3. Chen Yufei
Chen Yufei, a rising star from China, has garnered attention for her remarkable talent in badminton.
She made a name for herself by winning the girl’s single junior crowns in the Asian and World Junior Championships in 2016.
Her journey to success continued with her first senior crown at the Macau Open Grand Prix Gold.
In 2019, she reached the pinnacle of her career, securing the top spot in the BWF World Rankings.
Chen Yufei claimed two bronze medals in the BWF World Championships and a bronze and a silver in the Asian Championships in 2019 and 2018, respectively.
2. Tai Tzu-ying
Tai Tzu-Ying, a supremely talented badminton athlete from Taiwan, has captured the attention of fans and experts alike with her exceptional skills on the court.
At the young age of 21, she claimed the top spot in the BWF women’s singles rankings in 2016, making her the first Taiwanese athlete to achieve this feat.
Tai Tzu-Ying has an impressive track record, including winning a gold medal in the Asian Games in 2018 and the Summer Universiade in 2017.
Her dominance extends to consecutive Asian Championship titles, Superseries Finals victories, and the All-England Open.
She has secured two gold medals and one bronze in the Asian Championships in 2018, 2017, and 2015, respectively.
1. Kento Momota
Kento Momota, a highly skilled and relentless Japanese badminton athlete, stands atop the rankings as the world’s best player.
His extensive list of championships includes two World Championships, Asian Championships, and an All England Open title.
Momota’s impressive career highlights also include victories at the German Open and multiple BWF tours, Super Series, and Grand Prix events.
He achieved the prestigious rank of World Number 1 in the men’s singles according to the BWF World Rankings.
With 14 BWF tour wins, 4 BWF Super Series wins, and two BWF Grand Prix wins, Momota’s dominance in the sport is undeniable.
These 10 best badminton players have left an indelible mark on the sport with their exceptional skills, unwavering determination, and numerous accolades.
Their outstanding performances on the court continue to captivate fans and inspire aspiring athletes around the world.
As the badminton landscape evolves, these players serve as a testament to the immense talent and passion that drives the sport forward.
