BWF World Championships 2026: Defending Champions Set to Shine in New Delhi

BWF World Championships Returns to India

The BWF World Championships is making its much-anticipated return to India after a 17-year hiatus, with the event scheduled to take place in New Delhi from August 17 to 23. This prestigious tournament will showcase the top badminton players globally, as five reigning champions aim to defend their titles amidst fierce competition.

Meet the Defending Champions

Here’s a closer look at the champions who will be striving to retain their titles at the BWF World Championships in India 2026.

Shi Yu Qi (China) - Men's Singles

Shi Yu Qi arrives in New Delhi as the current men's singles world champion, having secured his first title at the BWF World Championships in Paris. After finishing as the runner-up in 2018, he achieved his long-desired goal with a stellar performance in 2025. Known for his exceptional rally control and tactical prowess, Shi has consistently excelled on the HSBC BWF World Tour. He aims to become the first Chinese man since Chen Long to defend his world title successfully.

Key achievements:

1. 2025 BWF World Champion

2. 2018 BWF World Championships silver medallist

3. Thomas Cup champion (2018, 2024)

4. Former World No. 1

Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) - Women's Singles

Akane Yamaguchi recently added another milestone to her illustrious career by winning the 2025 World Championships, making her only the second woman after Zhang Ning to claim three world titles. Renowned for her speed and defensive skills, Yamaguchi has consistently outperformed taller opponents with her remarkable anticipation. She is set to compete in India, aiming for her fourth world title.

Key achievements:

1. Three-time BWF World Champion (2021, 2022, 2025)

2. Two-time All England finalist

3. Multiple BWF World Tour Super 1000 titles

4. Former World No. 1

Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae (South Korea) - Men's Doubles

The duo of Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae has quickly become a dominant force in men's doubles. They had an outstanding 2025 season, winning the World Championships and the BWF World Tour Finals, along with several Super 1000 tournaments. Their partnership blends Seo's experience with Kim's explosive play, making them a formidable team as they defend their title in New Delhi.

Key achievements:

1. 2025 BWF World Champions

2. 2025 BWF World Tour Finals champions

3. All England Open champions (2025)

4. Multiple Super 1000 title winners

Liu Sheng Shu / Tan Ning (China) - Women's Doubles

In their early twenties, Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning have emerged as leading figures in Chinese women's doubles. After winning Olympic silver in Paris 2024, they captured their first World Championships title in 2025. Their success is attributed to their aggressive play and remarkable consistency, and they are eager to defend their title in New Delhi.

Key achievements:

1. 2025 BWF World Champions

2. Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallists

3. 2025 Asian Champions

4. Multiple BWF World Tour titles

Chen Tang Jie / Toh Ee Wei (Malaysia) - Mixed Doubles

Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei made history in Paris by becoming Malaysia's first mixed doubles world champions. Their victory also made Toh the second Malaysian to win a World Championships gold medal in any discipline. Known for their aggressive style and quick transitions, they are determined to prove that their success was just the beginning as they head to New Delhi.

Key achievements:

1. 2025 BWF World Champions

2. First Malaysian pair to win the mixed doubles world title

3. Multiple BWF World Tour title winners

4. Among the world's leading mixed doubles pairs.