2025 Odisha Masters
2025-12-09 00:00 - 2025-12-14 23:59 (Asia/Kolkata) | Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Biju Patnaik Colony, Cuttack, Odisha, 753001, India
Updated on September 14, 2025

The 2025 Odisha Masters was a badminton tournament taking place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha, India, from 9 to 14 December 2025. It was the 4th edition of the Odisha Masters championships and part of the BWF Tour Super 100 tournaments on the 2025 BWF World Tour. This event featured a total prize fund of US$110,000.

Champions

EventChampion(s)Runner(s)-upMen’s Singles🇮🇳 Kiran George [2]🇮🇩 Muhamad Yusuf21-14, 13-21, 21-16Women’s Singles🇮🇳 Unnati Hooda [1]🇮🇳 Isharani Baruah21-17, 21-10Men’s Doubles🇮🇩 Ali Faathir Rayhan [6]🇮🇩 Devin Artha Wahyudi🇲🇾 Kang Khai Xing [3]🇲🇾 Aaron Tai15-21, 21-12, 21-16Women’s Doubles🇧🇬 Gabriela Stoeva [1]🇧🇬 Stefani Stoeva🇲🇾 Ong Xin Yee [2]🇲🇾 Carmen Ting21-19, 21-14Mixed Doubles🇮🇩 Marwan Faza [1]🇮🇩 Aisyah Pranata🇮🇩 Dejan Ferdinansyah [5]🇮🇩 Bernadine Wardana21-15, 21-10

Tournament Schedule

All times are local, India Standard Time (UTC+5:30).

DatesRoundDoors OpenStart TimeTue, December 9All qualifying rounds8:00 AM9:00 AMMS R64 and XD R32 (except qualifiers)2:00 PMWed, December 10MS R64 and XD R32 qualifiers & Round of 328:00 AM9:00 AMThu, December 11Round of 169:00 AM10:00 AMFri, December 12Quarter-Finals12:00 PM1:00 PMSat, December 13Semi-Finals12:00 PM1:00 PMSun, December 14Finals12:00 PM1:00 PM

TV Broadcast Schedule

DatesNo. of MatchesStart TimeSun, December 1451:00 PM

Prize Money Distribution

The total prize money for this year’s Odisha Masters is US$110,000.

ResultSinglesDoublesWinner$8,250$8,690Runner-up$4,180$4,180Semifinalist$1,595$1,540Quarterfinalist$660$797.5Round of 16$385$412.5

2025 BWF AirBadminton World Cup
2025-12-11 00:00 - 2025-12-14 23:59 (Asia/Dubai) | Khor Fakkan Beach, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Updated on September 14, 2025

The 2025 BWF AirBadminton World Cup was the inaugural edition of the world championship for AirBadminton, the outdoor version of badminton governed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The tournament took place from December 11 to December 14, 2025, in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

As the first major international tournament dedicated exclusively to the AirBadminton format, the event featured 12 national teams qualifying through their respective continental championships. The competition included three categories: Men’s Triples, Women’s Triples, and the Mixed Team Relay.

Champions

EventChampionRunner-upScoreTeam RelayUnited Arab EmiratesChina60-54Men’s TriplesBrazil (Izak Batalha, Deivid Silva, Matheus Voigt)Hong Kong (Lam Lok Hin, Wong Wing Ki Vincent, Chan Tsz Kit)3-0Women’s TriplesChina (Chen Lu, Chen Xiaofei, Feng Xueying)Bulgaria (Yoana Angelova, Mihaela Cholakova, Dimitria Popstoykova)3-1

Medal Table

RankNationGoldSilverBronzeTotal1China11022Brazil10122United Arab Emirates10124Hong Kong01125Bulgaria01016Egypt00227Indonesia0011Total7 nations33612

Host Selection and Venue

Sharjah was selected as the host city in mid-2025, reflecting the United Arab Emirates’ growing investment in diverse sporting events. The tournament is held at a purpose-built pop-up arena on the Khor Fakkan beachfront along the Sharjah Corniche. The venue features sand courts, utilizing the beach setting central to the identity of AirBadminton, which is designed to be played on sand, grass, or hard courts using the wind-resistant “AirShuttle.”

Competition Format

The World Cup utilizes specific AirBadminton rules which differ significantly from traditional indoor badminton, particularly in scoring and team composition.

Triples (Men’s and Women’s): Matches are played in a best-of-five games format. Each game is played to 9 points. If the score reaches 8-all, a team must lead by two points to win; if it reaches 12-all, the next point (13th) wins. Teams consist of three players on the court, allowing for different strategic formations.

Mixed Team Relay: A “tie” consists of four matches played in a specific order: Women’s Doubles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Triples, and Men’s Triples. The scoring is cumulative (relay style). The first match plays to 15 points, the second to 30, the third to 45, and the fourth to 60. The first team to reach 60 points wins the tie.

Participating Nations

Twelve nations qualified for the inaugural tournament based on their performances at Continental Championships held in Pan America, Africa, Europe, and Asia-Pacific earlier in 2025.

Asia: China, Hong Kong, Indonesia

Europe: Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Germany, Netherlands

Pan America: Brazil, Venezuela

Africa: Egypt, Nigeria

Oceania: Australia

Host: United Arab Emirates

Group Stage Draw

The group stage draw was conducted in late November 2025. The 12 teams were divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D) across the three event categories.

Men’s Triples

Group AGroup BGroup CGroup DIndonesiaEgyptHong KongGermanyBrazilBulgariaNigeriaChinaUnited Arab EmiratesAzerbaijanAustraliaNetherlands

Women’s Triples

Group AGroup BGroup CGroup DHong KongGermanyIndonesiaEgyptChinaNigeriaBrazilAzerbaijanAustraliaUnited Arab EmiratesNetherlandsBulgaria

Mixed Team Relay

The Team Relay is often considered the marquee event, testing the overall depth of a national squad.

Group A: Hong Kong, Nigeria, Bulgaria

Group B: Egypt, Netherlands, China

Group C: Brazil, Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates

Group D: Germany, Indonesia, Australia

Schedule

December 11, 2025: Group Stage (Men’s & Women’s Triples)

December 12, 2025: Knockout Stages (Men’s & Women’s Triples) — Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Finals

December 13, 2025: Group Stage (Team Relay)

December 14, 2025: Knockout Stages (Team Relay) — Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Finals

Notable Players

The tournament features a mix of specialists and former indoor stars transitioning to the outdoor game. Notably, former men’s singles top-10 player Wong Wing Ki Vincent is leading the Hong Kong squad, positioning them as strong contenders in the Team Relay event.

2025 BWF World Tour Finals
2025-12-17 - 2025-12-21 | Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium, No.2657 Boao Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, 310051, China
Updated on September 14, 2025

The 2025 BWF World Tour Finals (also known as the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2025 for sponsorship reasons) will be the eighth edition of the season-ending badminton tournament held by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). This prestigious event brings together the top eight players and pairs from the year-long BWF World Tour circuit in each of the five disciplines: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.

Christo Popov claimed the men’s singles title by defeating the home favorite and defending world champion, Shi Yuqi, in straight sets. This victory marks Popov as the first French player to win the season-ending tournament and stands as the biggest title of his career to date.

In the women’s singles, An Se-young captured the championship after a three-set battle against local player Wang Zhiyi. With this win, An Se-young equaled Kento Momota’s record of 11 singles titles in a single season. She also made history as the first badminton player to earn one million dollars in prize money within a single season.

South Korea emerged as the most successful nation at the 2025 BWF World Tour Finals, securing three titles in women’s singles, men’s doubles, and women’s doubles. Despite this competitive triumph, the sport’s domestic popularity appears to be waning. Notably, a BWF broadcaster list for the event, published on December 17, 2025, showed no South Korean broadcasters scheduled to air the tournament—a potential indicator of declining interest compared to previous years.

There is hope that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Korea Association (BKA) can intensify efforts to reignite passion for the sport and engage South Korea’s younger generation.

Table of Contents[Open][Close]ChampionsMen’s SinglesWomen’s SinglesMen’s DoublesWomen’s DoublesMixed DoublesHost City SelectionCompetition FormatPlayers’ QualificationQualified PlayersMen’s SinglesWomen’s SinglesDraws and ResultsTournament SchedulePrize MoneyHistory

Champions

Men’s Singles

Main article: 2025 BWF World Tour Finals – Men’s Singles

🇫🇷 Christo Popov def. 🇨🇳 Shi Yuqi, 21-19, 21-9

Women’s Singles

Main article: 2025 BWF World Tour Finals – Women’s Singles

🇰🇷 An Se-young def. 🇨🇳 Wang Zhiyi, 21-13, 18-21, 21-10

Men’s Doubles

Main article: 2025 BWF World Tour Finals – Men’s Doubles

🇰🇷 Kim Won-ho / 🇰🇷 Seo Seung-jae def. 🇨🇳 Liang Weikeng / 🇨🇳 Wang Chang, 21-18, 21-14

Women’s Doubles

Main article: 2025 BWF World Tour Finals – Women’s Doubles

🇰🇷 Baek Ha-na / 🇰🇷 Lee So-hee def. 🇯🇵Yuki Fukushima / 🇯🇵 Mayu Matsumoto, 21-17, 21-11

Mixed Doubles

Main article: 2025 BWF World Tour Finals – Mixed Doubles

🇨🇳 Feng Yanzhe / 🇨🇳 Huang Dongping def. 🇨🇳 Jiang Zhenbang / 🇨🇳 Wei Yaxin, 21-12, 21-17

Host City Selection

The 2025 BWF World Tour Finals will be held in Hangzhou, China. Hangzhou has secured the rights to host the BWF World Tour Finals for a four-year cycle from 2023 to 2026. This decision was part of the BWF’s long-term strategy to establish Hangzhou as a key hub for elite international badminton competitions, building on the city’s successful staging of the 19th Asian Games. The host city selection process typically involves bids from various cities, with the BWF considering factors such as existing infrastructure, logistical capabilities, and the city’s commitment to promoting badminton. Hangzhou’s strong enthusiasm for the sport and its focus on fostering new talent were significant factors in its selection.

Competition Format

The BWF World Tour Finals features a unique and exciting competition format:

Group Stage: The eight qualified players/pairs in each discipline are divided into two groups of four (Group A and Group B).

Round-robin: Within each group, players/pairs compete in a round-robin format, meaning each participant plays against every other participant in their group once.

Knockout Stage: The top two players/pairs from each group advance to the semi-finals. The winners of the semi-finals then proceed to the final.

Matches: All matches are played in a best-of-three-games format, with each game played to 21 points.

This format ensures that players compete in multiple matches, providing ample opportunity to showcase their skills and strategies, and adding an extra layer of excitement for fans.

Players’ Qualification

Qualification for the BWF World Tour Finals is highly competitive, based on the BWF World Tour Ranking accumulated throughout the 2025 season. Only the top eight players/pairs in the BWF World Tour standings for each discipline are eligible to compete.

Key qualification rules include:

Top 8 Ranking: Players/pairs must be ranked within the top eight of the BWF World Tour rankings as of the cut-off date (after the 2025 Australian Open).

Country Quota: A maximum of two players or pairs from the same Member Association (country) can qualify for each discipline. This rule ensures diversity in the tournament and prevents one dominant nation from filling all the spots.

World Champion Automatic Qualification: The reigning 2025 BWF World Champions in each discipline automatically qualify for the tournament, regardless of their BWF World Tour ranking. This spot is in addition to the top eight qualifiers, meaning if a World Champion is not in the top eight of the tour rankings, nine players/pairs would participate in that discipline (with the lowest-ranked qualifier being dropped to maintain an eight-player/pair draw after the World Champion takes their spot).

Points Calculation: The BWF World Tour ranking points are accumulated from various tournaments throughout the year, including Super 1000, Super 750, Super 500, Super 300, and Super 100 events. Typically, only the top 14 results from the BWF World Tour tournaments and a maximum of 3 results from Super 100 tournaments count towards the ranking for the World Tour Finals.

Tie-breaking Criteria: If two or more players are tied in ranking, the selection is based on:

The players who participated in the most BWF World Tour tournaments.

The players who collected the most points in BWF World Tour tournaments starting on July 1st of that year.

Qualified Players

Men’s Singles

#PlayerTotal PointsTitle(s) in 20251🇹🇭 Kunlavut Vitidsarn933703: Singpore Open (Super 750); Indonesia Masters (Super 500); Thailand Open (Super 500)2🇨🇳 Li Shifeng902402: Malaysia Masters (Super 500); Hong Kong Open (Super 500)3🇹🇼 Chou Tien-chen894201: Arctic Open (Super 500)4🇩🇰 Anders Antonsen854102: Indonesia Open (Super 1000); French Open (Super 750)5🇫🇷 Christo Popov82030-*6🇮🇩 Jonatan Christie807403: Denmark Open (Super 750); Hylo Open (Super 500); Korea Open (Super 500)7🇨🇳 Shi Yuqi769905: World Championships; All England Open (Super 1000); China Open (Super 1000); Malaysia Open (Super 1000); Japan Open (Super 750)8🇯🇵 Kodai Naraoka763001: Japan Masters (Super 500)*Christo Popov did not win any World Tour title in 2025. His best results were finalists at the French Open (Super 750) and the Swiss Open (Super 300). He also reached final in men’s doubles at the German Open (Super 300).

Women’s Singles

#PlayerTotal PointsTitle(s) in 20251🇰🇷 An Se-young13055010: All England Open (Super 1000); Indonesia Open (Super 1000); Malaysia Open (Super 1000); China Masters (Super 750); Denmark Open (Super 750); French Open (Super 750); India Open (Super 750); Japan Open (Super 750); Australian Open (Super 500); Orléans Masters (Super 300)2🇨🇳 Wang Zhiyi1158503: China Open (Super 1000); Malaysia Masters (Super 500); Hong Kong Open (Super 500)3🇨🇳 Han Yue96720–4🇯🇵 Akane Yamaguchi915703: World Championships; Arctic Open (Super 500); Korea Open (Super 500)5🇮🇩 Putri Kusuma Wardani79650–6🇹🇭 Pornpawee Chochuwong793401: Thailand Masters (Super 300)7🇹🇭 Ratchanok Intanon781502: Indonesia Masters (Super 500); Japan Masters (Super 500)8🇯🇵 Tomoka Miyazaki765501: Taipei Open (Super 300)

Draws and Results

Men’s Singles

2025 BWF World Tour Finals Men’s Singles Draw and Results

Women’s Singles

2025 BWF World Tour Finals Women’s Singles Draw and Results

Men’s Doubles

2025 BWF World Tour Finals Men’s Doubles Draw and Results

Women’s Doubles

2025 BWF World Tour Finals Women’s Doubles Draw and Results

Mixed Doubles

2025 BWF World Tour Finals Mixed Doubles Draw and Results

Tournament Schedule

All times are local, CST (UTC+8). All courts are televised started from the first day of tournament.

DayStart TimeRoundNo. of MatchesCourtWednesday, December 179:30 AM (Session I)5:00 PM (Session II)Group Stage5 Matches / 5 Matches (Session I)5 Matches / 5 Matches (Session II)2Thursday, December 189:30 AM (Session I)5:00 PM (Session II)Group Stage5 Matches / 5 Matches (Session I)5 Matches / 5 Matches (Session II)2Friday, December 199:30 AM (Session I)5:00 PM (Session II)Group Stage5 Matches / 5 Matches (Session I)5 Matches / 5 Matches (Session II)2Saturday, December 209:30 AM (Session I)5:00 PM (Session II)Semi-Finals5 Matchess (Session I)5 Matches (Session II)1Sunday, December 212:00 PMFinals5 Matches1

Prize Money

The BWF World Tour Finals is one of the richest tournaments in badminton. For the 2025 edition, the total prize money is confirmed to be US$3,000,000. This represents a significant increase from previous years, reflecting the BWF’s commitment to enhancing the value of the World Tour and providing substantial rewards for the top performers. The prize money is distributed across all disciplines and rounds, with higher amounts awarded to the winners and finalists.

The prize breakdown is as follows:

RoundSingles (per player)Doubles (per team)Winner$240,000$252,000Finals$120,000$120,000Semifinals$60,000$60,0003rd in Group$33,000$39,0004th in Group$18,000$21,000

History

The BWF World Tour Finals, officially known as the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals for sponsorship reasons, is the successor to the BWF Super Series Finals. The BWF World Tour circuit and its culminating Finals were launched in 2018.

The concept of a season-ending championship can be traced back to the World Grand Prix Finals, which ran from 1983 to 2000, inviting the top eight players/pairs based on year-end world rankings. This was followed by the BWF World Superseries Finals, which commenced in 2007.

Notable milestones in the history of the Finals include:

2014-2017: The Finals were hosted in Dubai, a strategic move to promote badminton in a developing region for the sport. The prize money saw a significant boost to US$1 million during this period.

2018-2019: Guangzhou, China, became the “spiritual home” of the inaugural BWF World Tour Finals cycle, chosen for its strong badminton culture and HSBC’s focus on the Pearl River Delta.

2020-2022 (COVID-19 Impact): Due to the global pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 editions were held in a “bubble” format in Bangkok, Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia, respectively, to ensure player safety and maintain the circuit’s continuity. Bangkok also hosted the 2022 edition.

2023 onwards: Hangzhou, China, took over as the host city for the 2023-2026 cycle, signaling a return to China for the season finale and leveraging Hangzhou’s status as a major sporting city.

The BWF World Tour Finals remains a highlight of the international badminton calendar, showcasing the pinnacle of the sport and providing a thrilling conclusion to the annual tour.

2025 King Cup
2025-12-26 00:00 - 2025-12-28 23:59 (Asia/Shanghai) | Shenzhen Bay Sports Center, 3001 Binhai Blvd, 福田区, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518064, China
Updated on September 14, 2025

The 2025 Shenzhen Metro Tod King Cup International Badminton Open (Chinese: 2025深圳地铁TOD王杯国际羽毛球公开赛) was a professional exhibition badminton tournament held in Shenzhen, China, from December 26 to December 28, 2025. It was the second edition of the King Cup, an event founded by Chinese badminton legend Lin Dan to promote men’s singles badminton. The tournament featured eight invited men’s singles players competing for a total prize pool of CN¥3 million.

The 2025 King’s Cup witnessed a historic and emotional return, as Kento Momota stepped back onto the international stage following his 2024 retirement. In a poetic twist of fate, his comeback match pitted him against the ultimate challenge: World No.1 and reigning world champion, Shi Yuqi. While Momota ultimately fell in straight games (21-19, 21-15), he delivered a performance that reminded the world of his legendary skill, turning the match into a high-quality, era-spanning spectacle.

The defending champion, Anders Antonsen, returned this year and reached the final, only to be defeated by world No.1 and home favorite Shi Yuqi in straight games (22-20, 21-7). In the third-place playoff, Alex Lanier secured the victory over Jonatan Christie (21-17, 21-19).

Table of Contents[Open][Close]VenueCompetition Details1. Rules & Regulations2. Match & Scoring Format3. Tournament Format4. Draw ProcedureParticipants1. Anders Antonsen (Denmark)2. Jonatan “Jojo” Christie (Indonesia)3. Alex Lanier (France)4. Jason Teh (Singapore)5. Victor Lai (Canada)6. Shi Yuqi (China)7. Kento Momota (Japan)8. Liu Yangmingyu (China)DrawPrize MoneyTournament ScheduleWhere To Watch Live

Venue

The tournament was held at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center in the Nanshan District of Shenzhen, China. Known as the “Spring Cocoon” for its distinctive architectural design, the venue is a major multi-purpose indoor arena capable of hosting large-scale international sporting events.

Competition Details

1. Rules & Regulations

This competition will be governed by the latest official Rules and Regulations of the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

2. Match & Scoring Format

All matches will be played as the best of three games.

A game is won by the first side to score 21 points.

If the score reaches 20–all, the side that first achieves a 2‑point lead wins the game.

If the score reaches 29–all, the side scoring the 30th point wins the game.

3. Tournament Format

The competition will follow a knockout (single elimination) format.

4. Draw Procedure

The draw will consist of 8 positions with 4 seeded players. Seeding will be determined by the BWF World Ranking as of Tuesday, 16 December 2025.

The top 4 ranked players will be seeded 1 through 4.

Seed 1 will be placed at Position 1.

Seed 2 will be placed at Position 8.

Seeds 3 and 4 will be randomly drawn to Position 3 or 6.

The non‑seeded players will be randomly drawn into the remaining positions.

Players from the same Member Association will be drawn by lot into opposite halves of the draw.

Participants

The event features an invitational field of eight elite men’s singles players.

Confirmed Players:

Anders Antonsen (Denmark) – Defending Champion

Jonatan Christie (Indonesia)

Alex Lanier (France)

Jason Teh (Singapore)

Victor Lai (Canada)

Shi Yuqi (China)

Kento Momota (Japan)

Liu Yangmingyu (China)

1. Anders Antonsen (Denmark)

Status: Defending Champion & The Tactician

2025 Season Highlights:

Winner: French Open (Super 750), Indonesia Open (Super 1000).

Runner-up: Thailand Open.

World Ranking: Consistent Top 5 presence throughout the year.

Player Narrative: Antonsen returns to Shenzhen as the man to beat. His 2025 season has been defined by tactical maturity; he has successfully evolved his game from purely defensive rallying to controlling the front court. As the inaugural King Cup winner, he has the psychological edge of knowing exactly what it takes to win in this unique format.

2. Jonatan “Jojo” Christie (Indonesia)

Status: The In-Form Challenger

2025 Season Highlights:

Winner: Korea Open (Super 500), Denmark Open (Super 750), Hylo Open (Super 500).

Key Victory: Defeated Antonsen in the Korea Open final, sparking their late-season rivalry.

Player Narrative: Christie is arguably the most dangerous player in the second half of 2025. His physical conditioning is at its peak, allowing him to grind down opponents in long rallies before unleashing his signature overhead smash. He arrives in China looking to capitalize on his momentum from the European leg of the tour.

3. Alex Lanier (France)

Status: The European Prodigy

2025 Season Highlights:

Winner: 2025 European Championships (Gold Medal), Orleans Masters.

Breakthrough: Cracked the World Top 10 for the first time in March 2025.

Player Narrative: At just 20 years old, Lanier has transitioned from “rising star” to a genuine title threat. By becoming the 2025 European Champion, he proved he can handle championship pressure. His game is built on deceptive net play and a fearlessness that often rattles veteran opponents. He is the wildcard who could upset the favorites.

4. Jason Teh (Singapore)

Status: The Comeback Kid

2025 Season Highlights:

Winner: Thailand Masters (Super 300), Korea Masters (Super 300).

Resilience: Broke a mid-season “lean spell” to win the Korea Masters in November, proving his mental toughness.

Player Narrative: Teh has had a rollercoaster 2025, bookended by two brilliant title wins. His victory in Korea just last month (November 2025) suggests he is peaking at the right time. A relentless runner with a solid defense, Teh thrives when opponents underestimate his ability to return the shuttle.

5. Victor Lai (Canada)

Status: The Giant Killer

2025 Season Highlights:

Historic Achievement: Won a Bronze Medal at the 2025 World Championships (Paris), becoming the first Canadian men’s singles player to do so.

Runner-up: Canada Open (Super 300).

Player Narrative: The biggest surprise of the 2025 season. A university student who balances textbooks with elite badminton, Lai shocked the world by defeating former World Champion Loh Kean Yew en route to his historic bronze in Paris. He plays with a “nothing to lose” freedom that makes him incredibly dangerous in a knock-out format like the King Cup.

6. Shi Yuqi (China)

Status: Defending World Champion & Home Favorite

2025 Season Highlights:

Winner: BWF World Championships (Paris), China Open (Super 1000).

Runner-up: BWF World Tour Finals.

World Ranking: Reclaimed World No. 1 spot following the World Championships.

Player Narrative: Shi Yuqi enters the King Cup carrying the weight and pride of the host nation. As the reigning World Champion, he is the undisputed “boss” of the current circuit. His aggressive yet composed playstyle has reached a new peak in 2025, and playing in front of a home crowd in Shenzhen makes him the arguably strongest contender for the title. He is not just here to compete; he is here to defend China’s honor.

7. Kento Momota (Japan)

Status: Former World No. 1 & Two-Time World Champion

Player Narrative: The inclusion of Kento Momota brings a legendary aura to the tournament. While he may not possess the explosive speed of his younger years, his courtcraft and anticipation remain unrivaled. His 2025 campaign has been about “smart badminton,” using his experience to dismantle impatient opponents. For Momota, the King Cup is a chance to remind the world that class is permanent and that he can still tangle with the very best.

8. Liu Yangmingyu (China)

Status: 2025 World Junior Champion & The Prodigy

2025 Season Highlights:

Winner: BWF World Junior Championships (Gold Medal).

Player Narrative: The wildcard of the tournament, Liu Yangmingyu represents the future of Chinese badminton. Earning his spot by dominating the junior circuit this year, he brings an unknown quantity to the draw that makes him dangerous. He plays with the fearless energy of a rookie who has nothing to lose, and his speed is expected to test the stamina of the veteran players. He is looking to replicate the path of Lin Dan by making a statement on the big stage early in his career.

Draw

Quarter-finals

#Player 1Player 2ScoreQF 1Shi YuqiKento Momota21-19, 21-15QF 2Alex LanierVictor Lai21-14, 21-19QF 3Jason TehJonatan Christie21-18, 13-21, 21-23QF 4Liu YangmingyuAnders Antonsen21-9, 14-21, 15-21

Semi-finals

#Player 1Player 2ScoreSF 1Shi YuqiAlex Lanier21-15, 21-17SF 2Jonatan ChristieAnders Antonsen13-21, 20-22

Third-place Match and Final

RoundPlayer 1Player 2Score3rd PlaceAlex LanierJonatan Christie21-17, 21-19FinalShi YuqiAnders Antonsen22-20, 21-7

Prize Money

The total prize money for the 2025 tournament is CN¥3,000,000. This is one of the highest prize pools for an independent exhibition event in badminton. The distribution sees the winner claiming CN¥1.2 million.

Exchange rates are estimated based on December 2025 market rates (approx. 1 CNY = 0.14 USD / 0.58 MYR).

AchievementPrize Money (CNY)Prize Money (USD)Prize Money (MYR)Champion¥ 1,200,000$ 169,700RM 698,600Runner-up¥ 600,000$ 84,850RM 349,300Third Place¥ 350,000$ 49,500RM 203,770Fourth Place¥ 250,000$ 35,350RM 145,5505th – 8th Place¥ 150,000$ 21,210RM 87,330Total Pool¥ 3,000,000$ 424,240RM 1,746,600

Tournament Schedule

DateRound/MatchStart Time (UTC+8)Friday, December 26Quarter-finals1. Alex Lanier vs. Victor Lai2. Liu Yangmingyu vs. Anders Antonsen3. Shi Yuqi vs. Kento Momota4. Jason Teh vs. Jonatan Christie18:40Saturday, December 27Exhibition match, semi-finals1. Peter Gade / Victor Lai vs. Kento Momota / Jason Teh2. Shi Yuqi vs. Alex Lanier3. Anders Antonsen vs. Jonatan Christie4. Lin Dan / Bao Chunlai vs. Cai Yun / Fu Haifeng18:30Sunday, December 28Third-place match, final, exhibition match, and closed by awards ceremony18:30

Where To Watch Live

The 2025 King Cup will be live streamed for free on tournament’s official YouTube channel.

2026 Malaysia Open
2026-01-06 00:00 - 2026-01-11 23:59 (Asia/Kuala_Lumpur) | Axiata Arena, L2-E-10, Enterprise 4, Technology Park Malaysia, Lebuhraya Bukit Jalil, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, 57000, Malaysia
Updated on September 14, 2025

The 2026 Malaysia Open (also known as the Petronas Malaysia Open 2026 for sponsorship reasons) was a major badminton tournament taking place at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 6 to 11 January 2026, comprising singles, doubles, and mixed doubles play. It was the 69th edition of the Malaysia Open championships that had been held annually since 1937 and was part of the 2026 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour as a Super 1000 event on 2026 BWF World Tour. The total prize money for this tournament was US$1,450,000.

The 2026 Malaysia Open was the first Super 1000 event of 2026 as well as the opener of the 2026 BWF World Tour calendar. Shi Yuqi and An Se-young were the defending champions in the men’s singles and women’s singles, respectively. Both players advanced to the finals, but only An Se-young successfully defended her title. Shi Yuqi was forced to withdraw from the match due to injury.

Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand won the men’s singles title, marking the first Super 1000 title of his career.

Champions

EventChampion(s)Runner(s)-upScoreMen’s Singles🇹🇭 Kunlavut Vitidsarn [2]🇨🇳 Shi Yuqi [1]23-21, 6-1rWomen’s Singles🇰🇷 An Se-young [1]🇨🇳 Wang Zhiyi [2]21-15, 24-22Men’s Doubles🇰🇷 Kim Won-ho [1]🇰🇷 Seo Seung-jae🇲🇾 Aaron Chia [2]🇲🇾 Soh Wooi Yik21-15, 12-21, 21-18Women’s Doubles🇨🇳 Liu Shengshu [1]🇨🇳 Tan Ning🇰🇷 Baek Ha-na [6]🇰🇷 Lee So-hee21-18, 21-12Mixed Doubles🇨🇳 Feng Yanzhe [1]🇨🇳 Huang Dongping🇨🇳 Jiang Zhenbang [2]🇨🇳 Wei Yaxin21-19, 21-19

Tournament Schedule

All times are local, Malaysia Standard Time (UTC+8).

DatesRoundDoors OpenStart TimeTuesday, Jan 6Round of 32 (Top Half)8:00 AM9:00 AMWednesday, Jan 7Round of 32 (Bottom Half)8:00 AM9:00 AMThursday, Jan 8Round of 168:00 AM9:00 AMFriday, Jan 9Quarter-Finals8:00 AM9:00 AM3:00 PMSaturday, Jan 10Semi-Finals9:00 AM10:00 AMSunday, Jan 11Finals11:00 AM12:00 PM

TV Broadcast Schedule

For this event, Courts 1 and 2 will be featured in the television broadcast. Typically, television coverage for Court 1 spans from the earlier rounds through the finals, while Court 2’s broadcast usually focuses on mid-week matches. We recommend checking with your local broadcasters for specific details in your region. For comprehensive viewing, you can stream matches from all courts on the BWF TV YouTube channel from the tournament’s opening day. Here is the complete schedule:

Court 1

DatesNo. of MatchesStart TimeTuesday, Jan 6109:00 AMWednesday, Jan 7109:00 AMThursday, Jan 8109:00 AMFriday, Jan 939:00 AM73:00 PMSaturday, Jan 101011:00 AMSunday, Jan 11512:00 PM

Court 2

DatesNo. of MatchesStart TimeWednesday, Jan 789:00 AMThursday, Jan 889:00 AMFriday, Jan 939:00 AM53:00 PM

Prize Money Distribution

The total prize money for this year’s edition of the Malaysia Open is US$1,450,000. The prize breakdown is as follows:

ResultSinglesDoubles (per team)Winner$101,500$107,300Runner-up$49,300$50,750Semifinalist$20,300$20,300Quarterfinalist$7,975$9,062.50Round of 16$4,350$4,712.50Round of 32$1,450$1,450

Malaysia Open Status on BWF World Tour

YearStatusPrize Money2018Super 750US$700,0002019Super 750US$700,0002020Not held–2021Not held–2022Super 750US$675,0002023Super 1000US$1,250,0002024Super 1000US$1,300,0002025Super 1000US$1,450,0002026Super 1000US$1,450,000

Ticketing Information

Ticket sales for the 2026 tournament have already begun!

1. Sales Details

Official Sales Start: 2:00 PM on November 3, 2025.

Early Bird Promotion: A special discounted rate was available from the start of sales until November 30, 2025.

Where to Buy: Tickets are sold online via the official ticketing platform, which is typically www.ticket2u.com.my.

Advice: Based on previous years, tickets for this popular event, especially the later rounds (Semis and Finals) and certain categories, sell out quickly. It is highly advised to purchase tickets early.

2. Ticket Types and Estimated Prices

Tickets are available as Daily Tickets (for single-day attendance) or Season Passes (for the entire week).

Ticket TypePrice Range (MYR)NotesDaily TicketsFrom approximately RM32 to RM630 (price depends on the day and seating category)Early Bird discounts apply to these.Season PassesFrom approximately RM282 to RM2,000 (depending on the category)Covers all 6 days of the tournament.

(Note: Prices have been maintained at similar rates to the 2025 edition to keep the event accessible to fans.)

3. Important Entry Conditions

Children: Children aged 4 and older require a full-price ticket for admission. Children aged 3 and younger are generally not permitted.

Students/Seniors: There are typically no discounted tickets for students or senior citizens; a full-price ticket is required.

Wristbands: Once issued at check-in, the wristband must be kept secure for re-entry.

Resale: The resale of tickets is strictly prohibited.

2026 Estonian International
2026-01-08 00:00 - 2026-01-11 23:59 (Europe/Tallinn) | Kalev Sports Hall, Juhkentali tn 12, Tallinn, Estonia
The 2026 Estonian International, also known as the Yonex Estonian International 2026 for sponsorship reasons, is a badminton tournament that will take place at the Kalev Sports Hall in Tallinn, Estonia, from 8 to 11 January 2026. This tournament features a total prize fund of US$10,000.

Champions

EventChampion(s)Runner(s)-upScoreMen’s SinglesWomen’s SinglesMen’s DoublesWomen’s DoublesMixed Doubles

Tournament Schedule

DateRoundStart TimeThursday, 8 JanuaryQualification – all rounds9:00 AMFriday, 9 JanuaryMain draw – 1st and 2nd rounds9:00 AMSaturday, 10 JanuaryQuarter-finals10:00 AMSemi-finals4:00 PMSunday, 11 JanuaryFinals10:00 AM

Prize Money

ResultSinglesDoubles (per team)Winner€800€1,000Runner-up€450€600Semi-finalist€225€300

2026 India Open
2026-01-13 00:00 - 2026-01-18 23:59 (Asia/Kolkata) | Indira Gandhi Arena, Indraprastha Estate, Grand Trunk Rd, near Raj Ghat, IG Indoor Stadium, ITO, IP Estate, New Delhi, Delhi, 110002, India
Updated on September 14, 2025

The badminton world has descended upon the Indian capital for the Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2026, a prestigious HSBC BWF World Tour Super 750 event. Hosted at the iconic Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, this week-long festival of sport (January 13–18, 2026) promises high-octane action, world-class production, and a staggering total prize pool of US$950,000.

As the Badminton Association of India (BAI) President, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, noted in the official prospectus, the sport has seen an “uprising” in the country. This tournament stands as the “prestigious feather in the cap” of that movement, welcoming the global elite to battle for one of the season’s most coveted titles.

Below is the complete guide to the event, including the match schedule, broadcast details, and the Hall of Champions, which will be updated live as the finals conclude.

Hall of Champions

This section details the winners of the 2026 edition. The finals are scheduled for Sunday, 18 January 2026, starting at 11:00 AM.

Men’s Singles

Champion: [TBD – Awaiting Result]

Prize Money: US$ 66,500

Runner-Up: [TBD – Awaiting Result]

Prize Money: US$ 32,300

Final Score:

Women’s Singles

Champion: [TBD – Awaiting Result]

Prize Money: US$ 66,500

Runner-Up: [TBD – Awaiting Result]

Prize Money: US$ 32,300

Final Score:

Men’s Doubles

Champions: [TBD – Awaiting Result]

Prize Money: US$ 70,300

Runners-Up: [TBD – Awaiting Result]

Prize Money: US$ 33,250

Final Score:

Women’s Doubles

Champions: [TBD – Awaiting Result]

Prize Money: US$ 70,300

Runners-Up: [TBD – Awaiting Result]

Prize Money: US$ 33,250

Final Score:

Mixed Doubles

Champions: [TBD – Awaiting Result]

Prize Money: US$ 70,300

Runners-Up: [TBD – Awaiting Result]

Prize Money: US$ 33,250

Final Score:

Tournament Schedule

The six-day saga is structured to test endurance as much as skill. Matches are held in the Main Arena (Gymnastics Hall), with practice sessions conducted at the adjacent K.D. Jadhav Indoor Hall.

Day 1: The Opening Salvo (Tuesday, 13 January)

Action: Round of 32 (Part 1)

Start Time: 10:00 AM

Courts: 4 Courts in play

Focus: The tournament kicks off with the Top 32 pairs and shuttlers looking to survive the early jitters.

Day 2: The Field Completes (Wednesday, 14 January)

Action: Round of 32 (Part 2)

Start Time: 10:00 AM

Courts: 4 Courts in play

Note: This day specifically accommodates finalists from the preceding Malaysia Open, allowing them recovery time before entering the fray in Delhi.

Day 3: The Pre-Quarter Finals (Thursday, 15 January)

Action: Round of 16

Start Time: 10:00 AM

Courts: 4 Courts in play

Stakes: Winners here secure a piece of the substantial prize money, while losers go home with just participation points.

Day 4: Quarter Finals (Friday, 16 January)

Action: Top 8 Face-Off

Start Time: 11:00 AM

Courts: Reduced to 3 Courts

Intensity: The business end of the tournament begins. Every match from this point is broadcast-quality drama.

Day 5: Semi Finals (Saturday, 17 January)

Action: The Final Four

Start Time: 11:00 AM

Courts: 1 Main Show Court

Atmosphere: All eyes focus on a single court as players fight for a guaranteed spot on the podium.

Day 6: The Grand Finale (Sunday, 18 January)

Action: Championship Matches & Prize Ceremony

Start Time: 11:00 AM

Courts: 1 Main Show Court

Broadcast & Media Coverage

Fans unable to make the trip to New Delhi can follow the action extensively via global broadcast partners. The coverage ramps up significantly as the tournament progresses:

Wed, 14 Jan: Live coverage of 10 matches on Court 1.

Thu, 15 Jan: Expanded coverage across two courts (8 matches on C1, 10 matches on C2).

Fri, 16 Jan (QF): Full coverage of the Quarter Finals across two courts.

Sat, 17 Jan (SF): All 10 Semi-Final matches broadcast live.

Sun, 18 Jan (Finals): Complete coverage of all 5 title matches.

Note for spectators: Photography is strictly prohibited within the competition venue for non-accredited persons, ensuring copyright protection and player focus.

Prize Money & Points

The India Open is a lucrative stop on the tour. The total prize fund of US$ 950,000 is distributed not just to the winners, but deep into the draw, ensuring financial sustainability for the touring athletes.

Singles Payouts:

Champion: $66,500

Runner-Up: $32,300

Semi-Finalist: $13,300

Quarter-Finalist: $5,225

Round of 16: $2,850

Round of 32: $950

Doubles Payouts (Per Pair):

Champions: $70,300

Runners-Up: $33,250

Semi-Finalists: $13,300

Quarter-Finalists: $6,175

Round of 16: $3,087.50

Round of 32: $950

(Note: All prize money is subject to a 20.60% withholding tax as per Indian government regulations.)

Venue & Logistics

The event operates under strict technical regulations to ensure a world-class environment. The Main Arena features professional green mats on wooden flooring, and matches are played with Yonex Aerosenda 50 shuttles. To ensure fairness, the Instant Review System (IRS) is operational on TV courts, allowing players to challenge line calls during critical moments.

Players are housed in luxury accommodations like the Hotel Le Meridien and Shangri-La Eros, with dedicated transport shuttles ensuring seamless movement between the hotel and the stadium.

As the matches unfold and the brackets narrow, this article will be updated to reflect the new kings and queens of the India Open 2026. Stay tuned to the Hall of Champions section above for the final verdict.

2026 Swedish Open
2026-01-15 00:00 - 2026-01-18 23:59 (Europe/Stockholm) | IFU Arena, Råbyvägen 77, Uppsala, 754 26, Sweden
Updated on September 14, 2025

The 2026 Swedish Open, also known as the Victor Swedish Open 2026 hosted by Pong for sponsorship reasons, is a badminton tournament that will take place at the IFU Arena in Uppsala, Sweden, from 15 to 18 January 2026. The tournament features a total prize fund of US$10,000.

Champions

EventChampion(s)Runner(s)-upScoreMen’s SinglesWomen’s SinglesMen’s DoublesWomen’s DoublesMixed Doubles

Tournament Schedule

DateRoundStart TimeThursday, 15 JanuaryQualification – all rounds9:00 AMFriday, 16 JanuaryMain draw – 1st and 2nd rounds9:00 AMSaturday, 17 JanuaryQuarter-finals10:00 AMSemi-finals4:00 PMSunday, 18 JanuaryFinals10:00 AM

Prize Money

ResultSinglesDoubles (per team)Winner$1,000$1,200Runner-up$550$700Semi-finalist$300–

2026 Indonesia Masters
2026-01-20 00:00 - 2026-01-25 23:59 (Asia/Jakarta) | Istora Gelora Bung Karno, Jl. Pintu Satu Senayan No.1, RT.1/RW.3, Gelora, Kecamatan Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta, 10270, Indonesia
Updated on September 14, 2025

The 2026 Indonesia Masters has officially concluded at the legendary Istora Senayan, Jakarta, delivering a thrilling week of world-class badminton and memorable championship moments. As a BWF World Tour Super 500 event, the tournament once again proved to be one of the early-season highlights, offering valuable ranking points and fierce competition across all five disciplines.

Renowned among players and fans for its electrifying, almost unmatched atmosphere, Istora Senayan lived up to its reputation as one of the loudest and most intimidating venues on the tour. Across finals day, top seeds, rising stars, and crowd favorites battled for glory, with several matches ending decisively and others showcasing resilience under pressure.

The 2026 edition also marked a strong showing from Malaysia and China, while Thailand and Indonesia celebrated notable finals appearances in front of a passionate home crowd.

Table of Contents[Open][Close]Indonesia Masters 2026 Champions🏆 Women’s Singles🏆 Mixed Doubles🏆 Women’s Doubles🏆 Men’s Singles🏆 Men’s DoublesKey Tournament InformationStars to Watch in 2026Tournament ScheduleTV Broadcast SchedulePrize Money DistributionBrief History

Indonesia Masters 2026 Champions

🏆 Women’s Singles

Chen Yufei (China) [1]Defeated Pitchamon Opatniputh (Thailand)Score: 23–21, 21–13Match Duration: 52 minutes

🏆 Mixed Doubles

Chen Tang Jie / Toh Ee Wei (Malaysia) [3]Defeated Mathias Christiansen / Alexandra Bøje (Denmark)Score: 15–21, 21–17, 21–11Match Duration: 57 minutes

🏆 Women’s Doubles

Pearly Tan / Thinaah Muralitharan (Malaysia) [1]Won by walkover against Arisa Igarashi / Miyu Takahashi (Japan)

🏆 Men’s Singles

Alwi Farhan (Indonesia) [8]Defeated Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul (Thailand) [PFQ]Score: 21–5, 21–6Match Duration: 25 minutes

🏆 Men’s Doubles

Goh Sze Fei / Nur Izzuddin (Malaysia) [4]Defeated Raymond Indra / Nikolaus Joaquin (Indonesia)Score: 21–19, 21–13Match Duration: 37 minutes

With the curtain now closed on the Indonesia Masters 2026, attention turns to the next stops on the BWF World Tour. However, the energy, drama, and unforgettable scenes from Istora Senayan will linger long in the memory—once again affirming Jakarta’s place as one of badminton’s most iconic stages.

Key Tournament Information

Date: 20 – 25 January 2026

Venue: Istora Gelora Bung Karno (Istora Senayan), Jakarta, Indonesia

Level: HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500

Total Prize Money: US$500,000

Organizer: Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI)

Stars to Watch in 2026

With the withdrawal of Danish superstar Viktor Axelsen, the field has opened up significantly, particularly in the Men’s Singles. Based on the M&Q report and recent form, here are the key contenders:

Men’s Singles (MS)

Anders Antonsen (Denmark): The top seed will look to capitalize on his compatriot’s absence. He has a strong history at Istora.

Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand): The defending champion returns as the 2nd seed.

Jonatan Christie (Indonesia): The home crowd favorite and 2025 runner-up will be desperate to go one better this year.

Women’s Singles (WS)

Chen Yufei (China): The Chinese superstar headlines the draw as the top seed.

Putri Kusuma Wardani (Indonesia): Seeded 3rd, “Putri KW” is Indonesia’s leading hope in the women’s singles.

Doubles Pairs

Men’s Doubles: Malaysia’s Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik will return as the Top Seeds. Last year, they lost in the semifinals to their compatriots, and this time they’ll be looking to go one step further. Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian, who played alongside Muhammad Rian Ardianto last year, now plays alongside Muhammad Shohibul Fikri. They were finalists last year, and he and Fikri are now chasing the title at Istora.

Women’s Doubles: Malaysia’s Pearly Tan/Thinaah Muralitharan return as top seeds.

Mixed Doubles: China’s rising stars Jiang Zhenbang/Wei Yaxin enter as the pair to beat.

Tournament Schedule

Matches typically start at 08:00 or 09:00 local time (WIB / GMT+7), pending final TV scheduling.

DateRoundDetailsStart TimeTuesday, Jan 20Qualification & R32Qualifying rounds and select Men’s/Women’s Doubles Round of 32.8:00 AMWednesday, Jan 21Round of 32Continuation of Round of 32 (Singles & remaining Doubles).8:00 AMThursday, Jan 22Round of 16All categories.9:00 AMFriday, Jan 23QuarterfinalsThe top 8 in all categories battle for podium spots.1:30 PMSaturday, Jan 24SemifinalsThe “Final Four” compete for a place in Sunday’s final.12:00 PMSunday, Jan 25FinalsChampionship matches for all five disciplines.1:00 PM

(Note: Schedule subject to change by BWF and local organizers.)

TV Broadcast Schedule

Only one court (Court 1) will be televised, starting with the Round of 16. The BWF TV YouTube channel will broadcast all matches on all courts from Tuesday to Sunday, except for territories where broadcast rights are unsold.

DateNo. of MatchesStart TimeThursday, Jan 2289:00 AMFriday, Jan 2381:30 PMSaturday, Jan 24812:00 PMSunday, Jan 2551:00 PM

Prize Money Distribution

The total prize pool for 2026 is US$ 500,000.

ResultSinglesDoubles (per pair)Winner$37,500$39,500Runner-up$19,000$19,000Semifinalist$7,250$7,000Quarterfinalist$3,000$3,625Last 16$1,750$1,875

Brief History

The Indonesia Masters was first held in 2010 as the Indonesia Open Grand Prix Gold. It was originally created to provide a second tier of international competition in Indonesia, complementing the premier Indonesia Open.

The tournament was upgraded to a Super 500 event in 2018 as part of the BWF World Tour restructuring. While it has been hosted in various cities including Samarinda, Palembang, Yogyakarta, and Malang, it found its spiritual home at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta in 2018. The venue is legendary for its steep seating and acoustic intensity, where the “Eaa… Eaa…” chants of the Indonesian fans create an intimidating atmosphere for visitors and a massive boost for local players.

2026 Thailand Masters
2026-01-27 00:00 - 2026-02-01 23:59 (Asia/Bangkok) | Nimibutr Stadium, 154 ถนน พระรามที่ ๑1 Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
The HSBC BWF World Tour returns to Bangkok for the Princess Sirivannavari Thailand Masters 2026, a Super 300 event that promises high-octane action. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Bangkok, this tournament offers a crucial platform for rising stars and established players to claim early-season glory and valuable ranking points.

Tournament Essentials

Dates: January 27 – February 1, 2026

Venue: Nimibutr Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand

Level: HSBC BWF World Tour Super 300

Total Prize Money: US$250,000

Stars to Watch

The draws have revealed an exciting lineup across all five disciplines. Here are some of the key contenders vying for the title:

Men’s Singles: Top seed Loh Kean Yew (SGP) leads the field, looking to assert his dominance early in the year. He will face stiff competition from promising talents like Alwi Farhan (INA) and Justin Hoh (MAS), who are seeded second and sixth, respectively. Keep an eye on home favorite Kantaphon Wangcharoen (THA), whose matches are sure to electrify the local crowd.

Women’s Singles: Thailand’s own Supanida Katethong enters as the top seed, carrying the hopes of the host nation. She is joined by a strong international contingent, including Sung Shuo-yun (TPE) and Japan’s Hina Akechi, seeded 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Provisional Schedule (UTC+7)

Tuesday, Jan 27: Qualifying Rounds & First Round (MD/WD) – Starts 09:00 / 15:00

Wednesday, Jan 28: First Round (All Events) – Starts 09:00

Thursday, Jan 29: Second Round – Starts 12:00

Friday, Jan 30: Quarter-Finals – Starts 13:00

Saturday, Jan 31: Semi-Finals – Starts 12:00

Sunday, Feb 1: Finals – Starts 12:00

Prize Money Distribution

The total prize pool of US$250,000 is distributed as follows:

Singles (MS/WS):

Winner: $18,750

Runner-Up: $9,500

Semi-Finalist: $3,625

Quarter-Finalist: $1,500

Round of 16: $875

Doubles (MD/WD/XD) – Per Pair:

Winners: $19,750

Runners-Up: $9,500

Semi-Finalists: $3,500

Quarter-Finalists: $1,812.50

Round of 16: $937.50

(Note: A 5% tax deduction applies to all prize money winnings under Thai regulations).

TV Broadcast Schedule

Fans can catch the action live during the later stages of the tournament. The provisional broadcast schedule is:

Saturday, Jan 31 (Semi-Finals): 8 matches starting at 12:00

Sunday, Feb 1 (Finals): 5 matches starting at 12:00

2026 Champions

(To be updated after the tournament concludes)

Men’s Singles: TBD

Women’s Singles: TBD

Men’s Doubles: TBD

Women’s Doubles: TBD

Mixed Doubles: TBD

2026 Badminton Asia Team Championships
2026-02-03 00:00 - 2026-02-08 23:59 (Asia/Shanghai) | Qingdao Conson Gymnasium, No. 3 Yinchuan East Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, 266071, China
Updated on September 14, 2025

The 2026 Badminton Asia Team Championships is a major continental badminton competition organized by Badminton Asia, bringing together the strongest national men’s and women’s teams from across Asia. The tournament serves not only as a prestigious team event in its own right, but also as a qualifying pathway to the 2026 BWF Thomas Cup and Uber Cup Finals, making it a crucial milestone in the international badminton calendar.

The 2026 edition is hosted in Qingdao, China, and features separate men’s and women’s team events contested over a six-day period. With traditional powerhouses such as China, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, and Malaysia in action, the championships are expected to deliver high-intensity team battles and showcase Asia’s depth of badminton talent.

Table of Contents[Open][Close]Tournament OverviewVenueCompetition FormatGroup StageKnockout StageProvisional Tournament ScheduleParticipating TeamsParticipating Member AssociationsGroup DrawMen’s Team GroupsWomen’s Team GroupsSeeding and Team StrengthQualification for Thomas & Uber Cup FinalsChampions (To Be Updated)Legacy and Significance

Tournament Overview

Official name: Badminton Asia Team Championships 2026

Host city: Qingdao, Shandong, China

Dates: 3–8 February 2026

Venue: Qingdao Conson Gymnasium

Organizer: Badminton Asia

Host association: Chinese Badminton Association

Competition format: Men’s and Women’s Team Events

Qualification at stake: Top four teams in each category qualify for the BWF Thomas Cup and Uber Cup Finals

Venue

All matches are held at Qingdao Conson Gymnasium, located in the Laoshan District of Qingdao. The venue is equipped with four competition courts and six practice courts, allowing teams to train and compete within the same complex. February temperatures in Qingdao typically range between -5°C and 5°C, making it one of the colder Asian badminton hosts, particularly for teams from tropical regions .

Competition Format

The championships are played in two stages:

Group Stage

Teams are divided into four groups.

Each group follows a round-robin format.

All five matches in each tie are played:

Three singles

Two doubles

The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage.

Knockout Stage

Begins with the quarter-finals, followed by semi-finals and finals.

In knockout ties, play stops once a team secures three match wins.

Teams from the same group cannot meet again in the quarter-finals.

Each tie consists of:

Men’s Team: 3 men’s singles + 2 men’s doubles

Women’s Team: 3 women’s singles + 2 women’s doubles

No player may compete in more than one singles and one doubles match per tie .

Provisional Tournament Schedule

The official provisional timetable for the championships is as follows:

DateRoundStart TimeTuesday, 3 FebruaryGroup StageSession 1 – 11:00 amSession 2 – 5:00 pmWednesday, 4 FebruaryGroup StageSession 1 – 11:00 amSession 2 – 5:00 pmThursday, 5 FebruaryGroup StageSession 1 – 11:00 amSession 2 – 5:00 pmFriday, 6 FebruaryQuarter FinalsSession 1 – 10:00 amSession 2 – 5:00 pmSaturday, 7 FebruarySemi FinalsSession 1 – 10:00 amSession 2 – 5:00 pmSunday, 8 FebruaryFinalsSession 1 – 9:30 amSession 2 – 6:00 pm

The schedule remains subject to adjustment due to broadcast requirements or operational considerations .

Participating Teams

A total of 12 men’s teams and 11 women’s teams are entered for the 2026 championships.

Participating Member Associations

China

Chinese Taipei

Hong Kong China

India

Indonesia

Japan

Korea

Macau China (men only)

Malaysia

Myanmar

Singapore

Thailand

Group Draw

Men’s Team Groups

Group A: China, Thailand, Macau China

Group B: Chinese Taipei, Korea, Hong Kong China

Group C: Japan, India, Singapore

Group D: Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar

Women’s Team Groups

Group W: China, Malaysia, Hong Kong China

Group X: Japan, Indonesia, Chinese Taipei

Group Y: Thailand, India, Myanmar

Group Z: Korea, Singapore

Seeding and Team Strength

Team seeding for both the men’s and women’s events is determined by total BWF World Ranking points, calculated from:

The top three singles players

The top two doubles pairsfrom each team.

The seeding date for the 2026 championships is 6 January 2026, ensuring relatively current rankings are reflected in the draw. This system aims to balance groups while still rewarding teams with greater overall depth .

Qualification for Thomas & Uber Cup Finals

One of the tournament’s primary functions is qualification for the BWF Thomas Cup (men) and Uber Cup (women) Finals. The four semi-finalists from each category automatically qualify.

If the host nation or defending champions occupy qualifying positions, additional slots may be allocated based on continental world rankings, in accordance with BWF regulations .

Champions (To Be Updated)

This section will be updated after the conclusion of the tournament.

Men’s Team Champion: TBC

Women’s Team Champion: TBC

Runners-up: TBC

Semi-finalists: TBC

Legacy and Significance

The Badminton Asia Team Championships continues to grow in importance as Asia remains the sport’s strongest continent. The 2026 edition in Qingdao is expected to serve as a key benchmark ahead of major global events, offering insights into team depth, emerging players, and tactical trends in elite team badminton.

Once completed, the tournament’s results will play a significant role in shaping expectations for the upcoming Thomas & Uber Cup Finals, while also reinforcing Asia’s dominance in the global badminton landscape.

2026 Azerbaijan International
2026-02-03 00:00 - 2026-02-08 23:59 (Asia/Baku) | Politechnic University Sport Hall, Ayna Sultanova 13, Baku, Azerbaijan
Updated on September 14, 2025

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is set to solidify its reputation as a global sports hub as it hosts the 2026 Azerbaijan International. Part of the Badminton Europe Elite Circuit, this International Challenge tournament will gather top-tier professional athletes and rising stars from across the globe. This event serves as a significant milestone for the region, especially following Baku’s designation as the World Capital of Sports for 2026.

Tournament Dates and Venue

The competition is scheduled to take place from February 3 to February 8, 2026. The designated battlefield for this prestigious event is the Politechnic University Sport Hall, located at Ayna Sultanova 13 in Baku. This facility is equipped to handle the high-octane requirements of international badminton, featuring four Yonex courts for the competition.

Prize Money Distribution

Athletes will be competing for a total prize pool of USD 20,000. The organizers have specified that the prize money will be paid in cash during the closing ceremony, with no taxes deducted. The distribution across the five categories (Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles) is as follows:

RankMS / WSMD / WD / XD (Per Pair)Winner$1,600$1,800Runner-up$960$1,200Semi-finalist$400$500Quarter-finalist$160–

Tournament Schedule

The tournament features a rigorous six-day schedule, starting with qualifying rounds and culminating in the grand finals:

February 3 (Tuesday): Qualifying rounds for all categories begin at 09:00.

February 4 (Wednesday): Completion of qualifying rounds and the start of the Main Draw.

February 5 (Thursday): Continuation of the Main Draw.

February 6 (Friday): Round of 16 matches starting at 10:00.

February 7 (Saturday): Quarter-finals followed by Semi-finals start from 10:00.

February 8 (Sunday): Final matches for all categories starting at 12:00.

Relevant Tournament Information

The Azerbaijan International 2026 is organized by a coalition including the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Badminton Europe (BEC), and the Azerbaijan Badminton Federation. To ensure a professional environment, BWF-certified referees and medical services, including on-court doctors and physiotherapists, will be available throughout the event.

For participants and fans, Baku offers a stunning backdrop where modern architectural wonders like the Heydar Aliyev Centre meet historical sites such as the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. With high stakes and world-class competition, this tournament is poised to be a highlight of the 2026 badminton calendar.

2026 German Open
2026-02-24 00:00 - 2026-03-01 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) | Westenergie Sporthalle, An den Sportstätten 6, Mülheim an der Ruhr, 45468, Germany
Updated on September 14, 2025

As the badminton world looks ahead to the 2026 season, one of the most prestigious stops on the European leg of the tour returns to Germany. The Yonex German Open 2026, a prominent fixture of the HSBC BWF World Tour Super 300, is set to bring world-class action to Mülheim an der Ruhr. With a rich history and a field packed with emerging talent and established veterans, this year’s edition promises to be a thrilling showcase of speed, skill, and endurance.

Tournament Venue and Dates

The 2026 championships will be held from February 24 to March 1, 2026. For another year, the Westenergie Sporthalle in Mülheim an der Ruhr will serve as the battleground for the world’s best players. Known for its intimate atmosphere and passionate fans, the venue has long been the home of this historic event.

Expected Stars to Watch

The Men’s Singles (MS) acceptance list reveals a highly competitive field led by some of Asia and Europe’s top-ranked athletes. Based on the initial M&Q report, fans should keep a close eye on the following stars:

Li Shifeng (China): Ranked #5 in the seeding ranking, he enters as one of the heavy favorites for the title.

Chou Tien-chen (Chinese Taipei): The veteran campaigner continues to be a force on the world stage, ranked #6.

Christo Popov (France): Leading the European charge at #7, Popov is known for his explosive style.

Loh Kean Yew (Singapore): The former World Champion remains a major threat and a fan favorite.

Lakshya Sen (India): A dangerous competitor who has proven he can beat anyone on his day.

Lee Zi Jia (Malaysia): Despite appearing in the qualifying list, the Malaysian star remains one of the most watchable players in the circuit.

Tournament Schedule

The tournament follows a traditional six-day format:

DateEventRoundCourtsDoors OpenStart TimeTuesday 24 Feb 2026MS/WS/MD/WD/XD QualificationQualification408:3009:00Tuesday 24 Feb 2026MD/WD (Except Qualifiers)R32––Not before 14:00Wednesday 25 Feb 2026MS/WS/XD; MD/WD (Qualifiers only)R32409:3010:00Thursday 26 Feb 2026All EventsR16412:3013:00Friday 27 Feb 2026All EventsQuarterfinals314:0015:00Saturday 28 Feb 2026All EventsSemifinals210:3012:00Sunday 01 Mar 2026All EventsFinals110:3012:00

Notes:

MS = Men’s Singles, WS = Women’s Singles, MD = Men’s Doubles, WD = Women’s Doubles, XD = Mixed Doubles.

The “Courts” column shows the number of courts in use for that session.

Prize Money Distribution

The Yonex German Open 2026 offers a total prize purse of US$250,000. The distribution for the top performers is as follows:

EventWinnerFinalistSemi-finalsQuarter-finalsLast 16Singles$18,750$9,500$3,625$1,500$875Doubles$19,750$9,500$3,500$1,812.50$937.50

Note: All amounts are in dollars. Prize money is subject to a 15% German tax levy and a subsequent 5.5% Solidarity Tax.

A Brief History and Legacy

The German Open is one of the oldest and most respected tournaments in badminton history. Organized by the Vermarktungsgesellschaft Badminton Deutschland (VBD) for the German Badminton Association, it has served as a critical platform for players to gain points and prestige. As a Super 300 event, it often serves as a “springboard” for rising stars looking to break into the top tier of the BWF World Tour.

As Mülheim an der Ruhr prepares to welcome the international badminton community once again, the 2026 Yonex German Open stands ready to add another golden chapter to its long-standing legacy.

2026 All England Open
2026-03-03 00:00 - 2026-03-08 23:59 (Europe/London) | Utilita Arena Birmingham, King Edwards Rd, Birmingham B1 2AA, United Kingdom
The All England Open Badminton Championships is widely considered the most prestigious badminton tournament in the world outside of the Olympics and World Championships. As the oldest tournament in the sport’s history, holding a title here is a career-defining achievement for any shuttler.

The 2026 edition promises to be another spectacle of elite badminton, serving as a key BWF World Tour Super 1000 event. With the 2026 season well underway, players will be fighting not just for the massive prize purse but for the legendary status that comes with lifting the trophy at the Utilita Arena.

Table of Contents[Open][Close]Quick FactsPast Champions: The 2025 EditionStars to Watch in 2026Provisional Schedule (March 3–8, 2026)Prize Money DistributionTicketing & Fan InformationA Brief History: Why It Matters

Quick Facts

FeatureDetailTournament NameYonex All England Open Badminton Championships 2026DatesMarch 3 – March 8, 2026LevelBWF World Tour Super 1000Host CityBirmingham, EnglandVenueUtilita Arena Birmingham (King Edwards Rd, B1 2AA)Total Prize MoneyUS$ 1,450,000SurfaceYonex Court Mats (Indoor Hard)Defending ChampionsShi Yuqi, An Se-young, Kim/Seo, Matsuyama/Shida, Guo/Chen

Past Champions: The 2025 Edition

The 2025 All England Open was a historic tournament characterized by the dominance of East Asian shuttlers. The defending champions heading into the 2026 edition are:

Men’s Singles (MS):Shi Yuqi (CHN)

2025 Final: Defeated Lee Chia-hao (TPE) in a masterful display of control and attack. This marked Shi’s second All England title, solidifying his return to the pinnacle of the sport.

Women’s Singles (WS):An Se-young (KOR)

2025 Final: Defeated Wang Zhiyi (CHN). An Se-young continued her “Golden Era,” proving too consistent and physically resilient for the Chinese challenger.

Men’s Doubles (MD):Kim Won-ho & Seo Seung-jae (KOR)

2025 Final: Overcame a spirited challenge to take the title, showcasing Seo’s incredible versatility as a double-duty player.

Women’s Doubles (WD):Nami Matsuyama & Chiharu Shida (JPN)

2025 Final: The Japanese pair known for their “smiling defense” captured the hearts of the Birmingham crowd and the trophy with their rapid rotations and tactical brilliance.

Mixed Doubles (XD):Guo Xinwa & Chen Fanghui (CHN)

2025 Final: A newer pairing that surged to the top, maintaining China’s stronghold on the mixed doubles discipline.

Stars to Watch in 2026

As we approach March 2026, several narratives are shaping up:

1. The Kings of Men’s Singles

Shi Yuqi (CHN): The defending champion will be the man to beat. His net play and smash accuracy have returned to their 2018 peak.

Viktor Axelsen (DEN): The Danish legend is never to be counted out. Despite the rise of younger talents, his height and steep smashing angles remain a unique threat on the slow Birmingham courts.

Jonatan Christie (INA): The 2024 champion loves this arena. His physical style suits the heavy conditions often found at the All England.

2. The Queen’s Gambit

An Se-young (KOR): Is there anyone who can stop her? Her footwork is impeccable, and she rarely makes unforced errors. She enters 2026 as the heavy favorite to retain her title.

Tomoka Miyazaki (JPN): The rising teenage star has been making waves in late 2025. Her creative shot-making could be the disruption needed against the top seeds.

3. Doubles Dynamics

Liang Weikeng & Wang Chang (CHN): The explosive Chinese duo will be hungry to reclaim the top spot after missing out in 2025.

Fajar Alfian & Muhammad Shohibul Fikri (INA): The Indonesian “Speed Duo” always brings a large fanbase and high-octane rallies to the Utilita Arena.

Provisional Schedule (March 3–8, 2026)

Based on the 2025 format. Note: Times are GMT.

Day 1: Tuesday, March 3 (Round of 32)

Session starts: 10:00 AM.

Action: First round matches across four courts.

Day 2: Wednesday, March 4 (Round of 32)

Session starts: 10:00 AM.

Action: Completion of the first round.

Day 3: Thursday, March 5 (Round of 16)

Session starts: 10:00 AM.

Action: The “Business End” begins. Winners advance to the Quarterfinals.

Day 4: Friday, March 6 (Quarterfinals)

Session 1: 10:00 AM (First half of QF matches).

Session 2: 5:00 PM (Second half of QF matches).

Note: Often considered the best value day for fans, featuring 20 high-stakes matches.

Day 5: Saturday, March 7 (Semifinals)

Session 1: 10:00 AM.

Session 2: 5:00 PM.

Action: The final four in each discipline battle for a spot in history. The arena setup usually shifts to fewer courts (often just one TV court) to focus attention.

Day 6: Sunday, March 8 (The Finals)

Session starts: 11:00 AM.

Action: Five matches. Five champions crowned.

Prize Money Distribution

The 2026 All England Open is a Super 1000 event, the highest tier of the BWF World Tour. The total prize pool is US$1,450,000.

(Distribution based on standard BWF Super 1000 regulations)

ResultSingles (Per Player)Doubles (Per Pair)Points (World Ranking)Winner$101,500$107,30012,000Runner-up$49,300$50,75010,200Semifinalist$20,300$20,3008,400Quarterfinalist$7,975$9,062.506,600Round of 16$4,350$4,712.504,800Round of 32$1,450$1,4503,000

Note: All prize money is subject to local tax laws in the UK.

Ticketing & Fan Information

Tickets for the All England Open generally go on sale in the summer of the preceding year (July/August 2025 for the 2026 event).

Where to buy: The official ticket partner for the 2026 All England Open is AXS and is accessible via the Badminton England website.

Ticket Tiers (General Sale – Bronze Category):

Weekend Season Ticket: A comprehensive package covering all action on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals). Priced at £110.80 for adults.

Daily Tickets (All Day):

Early Rounds (Tue–Thu): Single-day entry is £33.55 per day.

Quarterfinals (Fri): Full-day access is £32.25.

Semifinals (Sat): Full-day access is £47.25.

Finals (Sun): The premium day, priced at £49.45 for adults.

Session Tickets: Specific session passes are available for Friday and Saturday, offering a more flexible option. Friday sessions start at £21.35, while Saturday sessions are £33.50.

Note: Prices listed are for Adults. Child tickets (starting from £14.25) and Concession tickets are also available.

Premium Experiences: The “1899 Club” and other hospitality packages offer front-row seating, lounge access, and complimentary dining.

Ticket Prices (General Sale):

Note: Prices below are based on Bronze category seating.

Session / DayAdultChildConcessionTuesday – Thursday£33.55£14.25£28.93Friday Session£21.35£14.15£18.68Friday All Day£32.25£20.69£27.89Saturday Session£33.50£21.35£28.93Saturday All Day£47.25£32.25£44.45Sunday All Day£49.45£30.95£42.55Weekend Season Ticket£110.80£69.95£97.75

Venue Tips (Utilita Arena):

Bag Policy: Strict A4 size limit for bags. No backpacks.

Food: Inside the arena, options include burgers, fries, and typical stadium concessions. Many fans prefer eating at the nearby Brindleyplace canalside restaurants before entering.

Transport: The arena is a short walk from Birmingham New Street Station.

A Brief History: Why It Matters

Established in 1899, the All England Open is the world’s oldest badminton tournament. Before the BWF World Championships began in 1977, winning the All England was universally considered winning the “World Championship.”

Even today, it retains a mystic aura. It was held at the Wembley Arena for decades before moving to Birmingham in 1994. The tournament has seen legends like Rudy Hartono (who won 8 titles), Lin Dan, and Lee Chong Wei grace its courts.

For players, the All England is “The One to Win.” The prestige of the white trophy, the history of the venue, and the knowledgeable crowd make it unique. Unlike other modern tournaments that rely on flashing lights and loud music, the All England retains a respectful, almost tennis-like atmosphere where the shuttlecock’s sound echoes through the hall—until the crowd erupts.

2026 Indonesia Open
2026-06-02 00:00 - 2026-06-07 23:59 (Asia/Jakarta)
Updated on September 14, 2025

The 2026 Indonesia Open promises to be a watershed moment in the BWF World Tour calendar. As a Super 1000 event, it has always been the jewel of the badminton world—often dubbed the “unofficial World Championship” due to its electric atmosphere and prestige. However, the 2026 edition is set to carry extra weight with the historic return of the Djarum Foundation as a primary strategic partner and organizer, signaling a revival of the “golden era” of event presentation in Jakarta.

Below is a detailed overview of what fans and stakeholders can expect from this marquee tournament.

Table of Contents[Open][Close]Tournament EssentialsThe Comeback of Djarum Foundation2025 Edition Recap: The Defending ChampionsStars to Watch in 2026Tournament Schedule (Projected)A Brief History: Titans of the Indonesia OpenMost Successful Players & PairsConclusion

Tournament Essentials

Expected Official Title: Djarum Indonesia Open 2026 (BWF World Tour Super 1000)

Dates: June 2 – June 7, 2026

Host City: Jakarta, Indonesia

Venue:Istora Senayan (Istora Gelora Bung Karno)

Note: While there has been significant public expectation and speculation regarding a move to the larger Indonesia Arena (IMS) to accommodate higher capacity, current scheduled planning lists the legendary Istora Senayan as the primary venue. The “Istora Magic”—with its deafening “Eaa Eaa” chants—remains a core identity of the tournament.

Prize Money:US$ 1,450,000 (Approx. IDR 23 Billion)

This massive purse ensures participation from the absolute elite of the sport.

Ranking Points:

Winner: 12,000 points

Runner-up: 10,200 points

Semifinalists: 8,400 points

The Comeback of Djarum Foundation

The most significant storyline for the 2026 edition is the official return of the Djarum Foundation (Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation) as a main sponsor and event organizer (EO) after a six-year hiatus.

From 2004 to 2013, the “Djarum Indonesia Open” was globally recognized as the best-organized badminton tournament, famed for turning a sporting event into a family entertainment spectacle. Their departure left a gap in the tournament’s presentation style. Their return in 2026 is expected to:

Elevate the Fan Experience: Djarum is known for integrating live music, cultural bazaars, and interactive fan zones that rival major music festivals.

Boost Production Quality: Expect world-class lighting, court presentation, and broadcast values.

Support Local Talent: Their involvement often correlates with a renewed focus on scouting and supporting young Indonesian shuttlers on the big stage.

2025 Edition Recap: The Defending Champions

To understand the stakes of 2026, we must look at the reigning kings and queens who conquered Jakarta in 2025. These athletes will enter the 2026 tournament with a target on their backs.

Men’s Singles (MS): Anders Antonsen (Denmark)

The Feat: Antonsen finally captured the Istora crown after years of being a crowd favorite, showcasing his tactical brilliance to defeat his opponents in a thrilling final.

Women’s Singles (WS): An Se-young (South Korea)

The Feat: Continuing her dominance, An Se-young proved too consistent and physically superior, cementing her status as the era’s defining female player.

Men’s Doubles (MD): Kim Won-ho & Seo Seung-jae (South Korea)

The Feat: The Koreans shocked the home favorites and top seeds with their speed and defense, proving to be the most versatile pair on tour.

Women’s Doubles (WD): Liu Shengshu & Tan Ning (China)

The Feat: This young Chinese pair overwhelmed veterans with their sheer power and attacking style, signaling a changing of the guard in women’s doubles.

Mixed Doubles (XD): Thom Gicquel & Delphine Delrue (France)

The Feat: A historic win for Europe in a discipline usually dominated by Asia. Their victory was a masterclass in tactical discipline and composure.

Stars to Watch in 2026

The 2026 field will be star-studded. Aside from the defending champions, several key narratives will drive the competition:

Viktor Axelsen (Denmark): The towering Dane will likely be looking to reclaim his territory. If he is healthy, he remains the man to beat.

Jonatan Christie & Anthony Ginting (Indonesia): Playing at home, “Jojo” and Ginting are always under immense pressure. With the Djarum Foundation back, the expectation for a home winner in Men’s Singles will be feverish.

Shi Yuqi (China): As one of the few players capable of consistently challenging Axelsen, Shi Yu Qi’s form will be critical to the Men’s Singles draw.

Aaron Chia & Soh Wooi Yik (Malaysia): The Malaysian pair has a knack for big tournaments and will be looking to add the Indonesia Open Super 1000 title to their accolades.

Rising Indonesian Pairs: In Men’s Doubles, watch for the next generation (such as Raymond Indra and Nikolaus Joaquin) and in-form senior pair of Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikrito try and reclaim the “pride of the nation” title in Jakarta.

Tournament Schedule (Projected)

Based on the standard BWF Super 1000 format and the previous year’s schedule, the 2026 event will follow this intense six-day trajectory:

DayDateRoundEstimated Time (WIB)TuesdayJune 2Round of 32 (Part 1)09:00 AM – 09:00 PMWednesdayJune 3Round of 32 (Part 2)09:00 AM – 09:00 PMThursdayJune 4Round of 1609:00 AM – 08:00 PMFridayJune 5Quarterfinals01:00 PM – 09:00 PMSaturdayJune 6Semifinals12:00 PM – 08:00 PMSundayJune 7Grand Finals12:00 PM – 06:00 PM

Note: The Istora usually sees full capacity crowds from the Quarterfinals onwards, with tickets often selling out minutes after release.

A Brief History: Titans of the Indonesia Open

Established in 1982, the Indonesia Open is one of the oldest and most historic tournaments in Asia. It has witnessed the evolution of badminton from the 15-point scoring system to the current rally-point era.

The tournament is famous for being incredibly difficult to defend; the raucous crowd can lift home players to impossible victories or crumble the focus of visiting legends.

Most Successful Players & Pairs

The “Hall of Fame” for the Indonesia Open is dominated by legends who thrived on the chaotic energy of Jakarta:

Men’s Singles Kings (6 Titles):

Ardy Wiranata (INA): The defensive wall of Indonesia ruled the 90s.

Taufik Hidayat (INA): The “Prince of Istora” whose backhand became folklore.

Lee Chong Wei (MAS): remarkably, a non-Indonesian who mastered the windy conditions of Istora to equal the record.

The Queen of Jakarta (5 Titles):

Susi Susanti (INA): The Golden Bride dominated the late 80s and 90s, setting a benchmark for Women’s Singles that stands to this day.

Mixed Doubles Supremacy (6 Titles):

Minarti Timur & Tri Kusharjanto (INA): This pair (playing with various partners but most successful together) made the Mixed Doubles discipline their own fortress during their prime.

Men’s Doubles Legacy:

The pairing of Ricky Subagja & Rexy Mainaky and later Minarti Timur (in mixed) set the standard. More recently, Marcus Fernaldi Gideon & Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (The Minions) created a modern dynasty, though they often found the Indonesia Open title elusive compared to other events, highlighting the tournament’s immense difficulty.

Conclusion

The 2026 Indonesia Open is not just a tournament; it is a festival of national pride and world-class athleticism. With US$1.45 million on the line, the return of the Djarum Foundation’s organizational prowess, and the world’s best players converging on Jakarta, it is poised to be the most spectacular edition of the decade.
