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 October 12, 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 October 12, 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 October 12, 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 October 12, 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.
