Top Women Shuttlers to Watch at the Upcoming BWF World Championships

As the BWF World Championships approach in New Delhi, badminton enthusiasts are eager to see some of the world's top female players compete. This article highlights five standout contenders, including Olympic champions and former world number ones, who are expected to deliver thrilling performances. From An Se Young's impressive accolades to PV Sindhu's historic achievements, these athletes are set to make their mark in the tournament. Read on to learn more about their journeys and what to expect at this prestigious event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 29, 2026, 23:51 IST

Exciting Showdown at the BWF World Championships

New Delhi is gearing up to host the BWF World Championships from August 17-23, and this prestigious event promises thrilling badminton action featuring some of the top female players in the sport.

As the tournament approaches, here are five standout women’s players who are expected to shine:

1). An Se Young (South Korea)

The reigning Olympic champion and former world number one, An Se Young, is a top contender for the title. She made history as South Korea's first women's singles World Champion in 2023 and secured Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games. Additionally, she completed her career Grand Slam by winning the Badminton Asia Championships in 2026, solidifying her status as one of the sport's elite.

Key achievements:

- Gold medal – Paris 2024 Olympic Games

- Gold medal – BWF World Championships (2023)

- Gold medal – Asian Games (2022)

- Asian Championships winner (2026)

- Former World No. 1

2). Wang Zhi Yi (China)

Wang Zhi Yi has made her mark on the international stage with consistent performances on the BWF World Tour. A former world number one, she achieved a significant milestone by winning the Badminton Asia Championships in 2025 and followed it up with the All England Open title in 2026. She arrives in New Delhi with aspirations of claiming her first World Championships title.

Key achievements:

- All England Open Champion (2026)

- Asian Championships Champion (2025)

- Multiple BWF World Tour titles

- Former World No. 1

3). Akane Yamaguchi (Japan)

Akane Yamaguchi has a remarkable record at the BWF World Championships, having successfully defended her title in 2021 and 2022, becoming the first woman to do so since 2013. She added a third gold in Paris in 2025, establishing herself as one of the most successful players in women's singles history. A former world number one, she remains a formidable competitor.

Key achievements:

- Gold medal – BWF World Championships (2021)

- Gold medal – BWF World Championships (2022)

- Gold medal – BWF World Championships (2025)

- Former World No. 1

4). PV Sindhu (India)

PV Sindhu is set to be the center of attention as she represents India in her home World Championships. The Hyderabad player made history as India's first badminton World Champion in 2019 and is the only Indian woman to have won two Olympic medals in badminton. With five World Championships medals to her name, she heads into this tournament after becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open women’s singles title in 2026.

Key achievements:

- Gold medal – BWF World Championships (2019)

- Five-time BWF World Championships medallist

- Silver Medal: 2016 Rio Olympics

- Bronze medal – Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

- Japan Open Champion (2026)

- Former World No. 2

5). Chen Yufei (China)

Chen Yufei, the Olympic champion, has been a key figure in Chinese women's singles badminton for nearly ten years. A former world number one, she won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and has played a vital role in China's success in the Sudirman Cup and Uber Cup. After finishing as the runner-up at the 2025 BWF World Championships, she aims to secure the only major title that has eluded her.

Key achievements:

- Gold medal – Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

- Silver medal – BWF World Championships (2025)

- Uber Cup champion

- Sudirman Cup champion

- Former World No. 1