An Se-young Eyes World Championship Title After 90% Recovery

South Korean badminton star An Se-young is targeting a triumphant return to the World Championships, aiming to reclaim the title she last won three years ago. The world No. 1 announced her physical condition has significantly improved, recovering to "80-90%" and allowing her to participate fully in training.

The Korean national team, led by coach Park Joo-bong, has already departed for New Delhi, India, to compete in the 2026 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships. This event is considered one of the highest honors in badminton, second only to the Summer Olympics. The championships will also serve as a crucial test for Korean players as they prepare for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, particularly against strong competitors from Japan and China.

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My physical condition has improved a lot, and I am participating in training normally. I have recovered about 80 to 90 percent.

An Se-young, who made history as the first Korean to win a singles world title in 2023, is determined to regain her crown. After the Olympics took precedence in 2024, she fell short of a second consecutive world title last year, losing to her rival Chen Yufei of China in the semifinals. This year, she must overcome formidable opponents including Akane Yamaguchi (world No. 2, Japan), Wang Zhiyi (world No. 3, China), and Chen Yufei (world No. 4, China).

While An holds a favorable head-to-head record against Yamaguchi (19-15) and Wang (20-5), she acknowledges the strength of her rivals. Her recent defeat to Wang Zhiyi in the All England Open final serves as a reminder not to underestimate any opponent. The rivalry with Chen Yufei is particularly intense, with An leading their career encounters 17-14 but having a recent edge in their last five matches (4-1). An has prioritized her physical condition this year, withdrawing from the Japan Open and China Open due to left foot pain to ensure she is in peak form for the World Championships. Before her injury, she had secured gold medals in seven tournaments (including team events) except for the All England Open and has maintained her world No. 1 ranking for 96 consecutive weeks.

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I am training with the goal of the World Championships. I am taking a break due to injury right now, but I consider it a time to regroup to play longer in good health as an athlete. I will do my best to return.