Akane Yamaguchi to Shi Yu Qi: Meet the defending champions heading to the BWF World Championships in Delhi

Akane Yamaguchi and Shi Yu Qi (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: Winning a world title is one thing. Defending it is an even greater challenge. With the BWF World Championship returning to India after 17 years, the focus will be firmly on the five reigning champions who will arrive in New Delhi with pressure to stay on top. Held 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 be aiming to retain their BWF World Championship crown:

Shi Yu Qi (China) – Men’s Singles

Shi Yu Qi enters New Delhi as the reigning World Men’s Singles Champion after finally winning his first BWF World 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. Renowned for his exceptional rally control, deceptive stroke play and tactical intelligence, Shi has been one of the most consistent players on the HSBC BWF World Tour over the past few seasons. The former world number one and multiple Super 1000 winner will be aiming to become the first Chinese since Chen Long to successfully defend his world title.Key achievements

1. 2025 BWF World Champion
2. 2018 BWF World Championship Silver Medalist
3rd Thomas Cup winner (2018, 2024)
4. Former world number one

Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) – Women’s Singles

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 scoring ability, the Japanese star has been a model of consistency for nearly a decade. Although Yamaguchi is just over five feet tall, she has repeatedly overpowered taller and stronger opponents with her remarkable anticipation and court coverage. He comes to India to extend his legacy with a fourth world crown.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 number one

Kim Won Ho / Seo Seung Jae (South Korea) – Men’s Doubles

Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae have quickly established themselves as the benchmark in men’s doubles. The Korean pair enjoyed a sensational 2025 season, winning the World Championship and then capturing 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 them one of the most complete pairings in the world. They will start as one of the favorites in New Delhi as they defend their world title.Key achievements

1. BWF World Champions 2025
2. BWF World Tour 2025 Winners Final
3. All England Open Champions (2025)
4. Multiple winners of the Super 1000 title

Liu Sheng Shu / Tan Ning (China) – Women’s Doubles

Still in their 20s, Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning emerged as the new faces of China’s women’s doubles. The Paris 2024 Olympic silver medalists continued their rise by claiming their first world title in 2025. Their success is built on relentless attacking play, fluid rotation and remarkable consistency against the world’s top pairings. 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

1. BWF World Champions 2025
2. Silver medalists from the Paris 2024 Olympics
3. Asian Champions 2025
4. Multiple BWF World Tour titles

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

Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei created history in Paris by becoming Malaysia’s first-ever world mixed doubles champions. Their triumph also made Toh only the second Malaysian player to win a World Championship gold medal in any discipline. 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 head to New Delhi determined to prove that their breakthrough triumph was just the beginning.Key achievements

1. BWF World Champions 2025
2. The first Malaysian pair to win the world mixed doubles title
3. Multiple BWF World Tour title winners
4. Among the world’s leading mixed doubles pairs