An Se-young Eyes Asian Games History as Record-Breaking Season Rolls On
An Se-young is heading to the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with another piece of badminton history within reach, but the world No.1 is refusing to let records distract her from the task immediately in front of her.
The Korean star has already captured seven individual titles this season and remains on course to challenge the record-equalling 11 titles she collected last year.
For An, however, the growing list of achievements is less important than continuing to improve.
“Records make you a legend. I want to be a legend in badminton,” An said. “But also, they mean you keep improving yourself. So it makes me more motivated.
“I always think I can improve further because my rivals could catch up and overtake me. I never take any match for granted.”
Another Remarkable Season for the World No.1
An has once again established herself as the player to beat in women’s singles.
Even an injury that kept her away from competition for around a month did little to slow her momentum. She returned in emphatic fashion, claiming her second world title in India in August before following it with victory at the China Masters in Shenzhen.
Remarkably, An has suffered only one defeat throughout the season.
That loss came against China’s Wang Zhiyi in the All England final in March.
Her attention now turns to the Asian Games, where another historic opportunity awaits.
An Se-young Chasing Back-to-Back Asian Games Gold
An will arrive in Aichi-Nagoya as the defending women’s singles champion after winning gold at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou three years ago.
Successfully defending the title would put her in uncharted territory for Korean badminton. No Korean player has previously won consecutive Asian Games badminton gold medals in this fashion.
An knows another major title will require careful preparation rather than focusing on what the achievement might mean.
“First and foremost, I need to prepare perfectly,” she said. “I must be ready to face all situations.
“It’s always great to win a gold medal as an athlete and hear your national anthem. But I will try not to put extra pressure on myself. Just play my game and enjoy the experience as much as I can.”
That approach has served her well throughout a season in which victories have become almost routine.
Susi Susanti’s Record Also Within Reach
The Asian Games is not the only place where An could rewrite badminton history.
The Korean currently owns 45 career titles, excluding Regional Games, putting her within touching distance of Indonesian legend Susi Susanti’s haul of 46.
Two more titles would move An past Susanti and give her the all-time women’s singles record.
Rather than viewing the milestone as added pressure, An considers the possibility another source of motivation.
“It’s still very early in my career. My journey is still very far, you know,” she said. “But I’m driven by the desire to achieve great results. And if that means I overtake Susi’s record, it will be a big honour. She’s one of the best.”
The numbers underline just how quickly An has built an extraordinary career, but the world No.1 is determined not to look too far ahead.
“I focus on day by day and every match do my best,” she said.
It is a straightforward philosophy, but one that has repeatedly delivered remarkable results.
With another Asian Games gold medal, a potential record-breaking title haul and badminton history all within sight, An Se-young enters her next challenge with the same mentality that has taken her to the top of the sport: concentrate on the next match, keep improving and allow the records to follow.
