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

Akane Yamaguchi and Shi Yu Qi (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Winning the world title is one thing. Defending it is an even bigger challenge. As the BWF World Championship returns to India after 17 years, the spotlight will be on the five reigning champions who arrive in New Delhi under 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 who will look 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 winning his first BWF World Championship title in Paris. After finishing runner-up in 2018, the Chinese star completed his long-awaited quest for the world crown with a composed and clinical campaign in 2025. Known for his exceptional rally control, deceptive stroke play and tactical intelligence, Shi has been one of the most consistent performers on the HSBC BWF World Tour over the past few seasons. A former world No. 1 and multiple Super 1000 winner, he will be aiming to become the first Chinese since Chen Long to successfully defend his world title.Key achievements

Akane Yamaguchi added another illustrious chapter to her illustrious career by winning the 2025 World Championships, becoming only the second 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 feet tall, Yamaguchi has repeatedly defeated taller and more powerful opponents with her incredible foresight and court coverage. She arrives in India looking to extend her 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 season in 2025, winning the World Championship before claiming the BWF World Tour Finals title and several Super 1000 tournaments. Their partnership combines Se’s vast experience and exceptional net play with Kim’s explosive power and court coverage, making them one of the most complete doubles combinations in the world. They will start the world title defense 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 female stunt performers. Olympic silver medalists in Paris 2024, the pair continued their rise by winning their first World Championship title in 2025. Their success has been built on relentless attacking play, impeccable rotation and remarkable consistency against the world’s leading pairs. Having already established themselves among badminton’s elite, they arrive 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. Their triumph also made Toh only the second Malaysian player to win a gold medal at the World Championships in any event. Known for their aggressive style, quick transitions and excellent court understanding, the pair have developed into one of the strongest mixed doubles combinations on the BWF circuit. They go to New Delhi determined to prove that their great triumph was only the beginning.Key achievements