World No. 1 An Se Young defeated three‑time champion Akane Yamaguchi in just 49 minutes at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Stadium, clinching her second BWF World Championship crown. The Korean star has become a beloved figure in India, remaining unbeaten in every match she has played on Indian soil.
- An Se Young defeated Akane Yamaguchi in 49 minutes.
- Over 8,000 fans packed Delhi’s stadium to cheer her on.
- She remains unbeaten in all completed matches in India.
Historic Victory on Indian Soil
At the BWF World Championships women’s singles final in New Delhi, South Korea’s An Se Young overpowered Japan’s three‑time champion Akane Yamaguchi with a 21‑17, 21‑14 scoreline, securing her second world title and extending her unbeaten streak in India.
Comeback From a Foot Injury
Just a month before the tournament, An was sidelined by a foot injury that kept her out of competition. Yet her dominance was evident – she breezed past world No. 2 Wang Zhiyi in the semi‑final, dropping only a single game throughout the week.
Connecting With the Delhi Crowd
Approximately 8,000 spectators chanted “Let’s go, An Se Young!” as she entered the arena. After the win, she walked into the stands, tossed shuttles to the fans, and kept her iconic ‘Rambo’ bandana on, deepening the emotional bond with the Indian audience.
Building a Trophy‑Filled Legacy
Having won the India Open in 2023, 2025 and 2026, An now adds a second world championship to an already overflowing cabinet. She was Korea’s first women’s singles world champion in Copenhagen 2023 and clinched Olympic gold in Paris 2024.
Playing Style That Redefines Women’s Badminton
Dubbed the “ultimate retriever,” An combines defensive resilience, flawless footwork and aggressive shot‑making. In the final she took calculated risks, delivering sharp drops and net play that left Yamaguchi scrambling for rhythm.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that An Se Young’s continued success not only reinforces South Korea’s badminton supremacy but also fuels growing fan enthusiasm in India, potentially paving the way for more high‑profile tournaments on Indian soil.
“An’s blend of confidence and tactical intelligence makes her a defining force for the next decade of women’s badminton.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Has An Se Young won other major titles in India? Yes, she has claimed the India Open titles in 2023, 2025 and 2026.
- Where will the next BWF World Championships be held? The 2027 edition is expected to take place in Tokyo, Japan.