Badminton Stars Set to Shine at BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi
Rising Stars of Badminton Prepare for World Championships
The BWF World Championships 2026 is set to take place in New Delhi from August 17 to 23, showcasing some of the most prominent names in badminton. Winning a World Junior title often marks the beginning of a remarkable journey, but only a select few athletes transition to become World Champions at the senior level. Notable players like Akane Yamaguchi, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Ratchanok Intanon, Liu Shengshu, and Dechapol Puavaranukroh have successfully made this leap, turning their junior achievements into senior accolades.
-Akane Yamaguchi (Japan)
World Junior titles: 2013, 2014 (Women’s Singles)
Senior World titles: 2021, 2022, 2025
Akane Yamaguchi made history as the first Japanese woman to win consecutive BWF World Junior Championships. Her rapid ascent continued as she became the youngest player to win a BWF Super Series title at just 16. Yamaguchi has since established herself as one of Japan's premier badminton players, boasting three World Championship titles and multiple accolades, including two BWF World Tour Finals championships and an Asian Championship title. As she heads to New Delhi, she is a strong contender for yet another world title.
-Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand)
World Junior titles: 2017, 2018, 2019 (Men’s Singles)
Senior World titles: 2023
Kunlavut Vitidsarn has made a significant mark in the World Junior Championships, being the only men's singles player to secure three consecutive titles. His transition to the senior circuit has been impressive, culminating in his victory as Thailand's first men's singles World Champion in 2023. He also earned a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics and claimed the 2025 Asian Championships title, reaching World No. 1 in the process.
-Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand)
World Junior titles: 2009, 2010, 2011 (Women’s Singles)
Senior World titles: 2013
Ratchanok Intanon, a trailblazer in badminton, won three consecutive World Junior Championships and became the youngest women’s singles World Champion in 2013 at just 18. Her remarkable skills and creativity have made her a beloved figure in the sport, and she has represented Thailand in four Olympic Games, maintaining her status as a respected veteran on the international stage.
-Liu Shengshu (China)
World Junior titles: 2022 (Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles)
Senior World titles: 2025 (Women’s Doubles)
Liu Shengshu had a standout performance at the 2022 World Junior Championships, winning gold in both women’s doubles and mixed doubles. Her swift transition to the senior level has seen her partner with Tan Ning to win a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics and secure her first BWF World Championships title in women’s doubles in 2025, establishing them as a formidable duo.
-Dechapol Puavaranukroh (Thailand)
World Junior titles: 2014 (Men’s Doubles)
Senior World titles: 2021 (Mixed Doubles)
After winning the World Junior title in men’s doubles, Dechapol Puavaranukroh found his niche in mixed doubles, showcasing his tactical prowess. Partnering with Sapsiree Taerattanachai, he achieved gold at the 2021 World Championships and reached World No. 1. Now, he aims to secure another title at the upcoming BWF World Championships in New Delhi, this time with Supissara Paewsampran.