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

Shi Yu Qi enters New Delhi as the reigning world men’s singles champion after finally capturing his first BWF World Championship title in Paris. After finishing runner-up in 2018, the Chinese star ended his long-awaited world crown with a composed and clinical campaign in 2025. Renowned for his exceptional rally control, deceptive stroke play and tactical intelligence, Shi was one of the most consistent players on the HSBC BWF World Tour last season. A former world No. 1 and multiple Super 1000 winner, he aims 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 his incredible speed, defensive resilience and relentless rebounding ability, the Japanese star has been a model of consistency for nearly a decade. Despite standing just over five meters tall, Yamaguchi repeatedly overcame taller and more powerful opponents with his remarkable anticipation and court coverage. He arrives in India looking to extend his legacy with a fourth world crown.Key achievements

Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae quickly established themselves as the benchmark in men’s doubles. The Korean pair enjoyed a sensational 2025 season, winning the World Championships before collecting 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 it one of the most complete doubles combinations in the world. They will begin the defense of their world title as one of the favorites in New Delhi.Key achievements

Still in their early twenties, Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning emerged as the new faces of Chinese women. Olympic silver medalists in Paris 2024, the pair continued their growth by claiming their first World Championship 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 the badminton elite, they arrived 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 mixed doubles world champions. His triumph also made Toh only the second Malaysian player to win a gold medal at the World Championships in any discipline. Known for their aggressive style, quick transitions and excellent court understanding, the pair has developed into one of the strongest mixed doubles combinations on the BWF circuit. They headed to New Delhi determined to prove that their landslide triumph was just the beginning.Key achievements