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

Akane Yamaguchi and Shi Yu Qi (AP Photos)

New Delhi: Winning an international title is one thing. Protecting it is a huge challenge. As the BWF World Championships return to India after 17 years, the spotlight will be tight on the five reigning champions arriving in New Delhi and the pressure to be on top. Organized from August 17-23 at the Indira Gandhi (IG) Indoor Stadium, the tournament will see the world’s best players battle it out for badminton’s biggest prize. TOI takes a look at the champions looking to retain their BWF World Championship crown:

Shi Yu Qi enters New Delhi as the men’s singles world champion after claiming his first title at the BWF World Championships in Paris. After completing the tournament in 2018, the Chinese star ended his long quest for the world crown with a composed and clinical meeting in 2025. Known for his exceptional control, deceptive stroke play and intellectual intelligence, Shi has been one of the most consistent performers on the HSBC BWF World Tours over the past few seasons. Former World No. 1 as well as multiple Super 1000 winners, they have been aiming to become the first Chinese player since Chen Long to successfully defend against the international threat.Great achievements

Akane Yamaguchi added another glorious chapter to her successful career by winning the 2025 World Championships, becoming only the second women’s player after China’s Zhang Ning to win three world titles. Already celebrated for his incredible speed, defensive prowess and endless rebounding ability, the Japanese star has been the epitome of consistency for nearly a decade. Despite being over five feet tall, Yamaguchi has repeatedly defeated taller and stronger opponents with his incredible anticipation and court coverage. He arrives in India looking to extend his legacy with a fourth international crown.Great achievements

Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae have quickly established themselves as a brand of two men. The two Koreans enjoyed an impressive 2025 season, winning the World Championship before taking the BWF World Tour Finals title and several Super 1000 matches. Their partnership combines Seo’s performance and Kim’s unique play with Kim’s explosive power and court exposure, making them one of the best combinations in the world. They will begin their international title defense as one of the favorites in New Delhi.Great achievements

Still in their twenties, Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning emerged as the new faces of Chinese female doubles. Silver medalists at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the duo continued their rise by claiming their first World Championships title in 2025. Their success is based on the attacking play, rotation and incredible consistency of two of the world’s leading teams. Already among the elite of badminton, he arrives in New Delhi hoping to successfully defend his top position in his career.Great achievements

Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei made history in Paris by becoming the first mixed doubles world champions in Malaysia. Their win also made Toh the second Malaysian player to win a World Championships gold medal in any event. Known for their aggressive style, quick transitions and good understanding of the court, the duo has formed one of the most versatile combinations on the BWF circuit. They go to New Delhi convinced that their success is just the beginning.Great achievements