Wang Zhiyi’s 20-5 Record, Yamaguchi’s Seven-Game Run and Miyazaki’s Perfect Eight: An Se-young’s Biggest Asian Games Challenge May Be Ten Grueling Days, Not a Rival

An Se-young’s toughest opponent at the 2026 Asian Games may not be a rival across the net. It may be the exhausting 10-day schedule she will have to survive while trying to defend her title.

The South Korean star faces a field that includes Wang Zhiyi, who has a 20-5 record, Akane Yamaguchi, who has won seven straight matches, and Tomoka Miyazaki, unbeaten in eight outings. Those results underline the strength of the players standing between An and a second consecutive Asian Games gold medal.

But after repeatedly overcoming world-class competition, the focus is shifting. The decisive test could be how completely An controls her stamina during the crowded schedule, as well as the unexpected variables that can emerge on any given day.

South Korea’s national badminton team discussed the Asian Games at a media event held on the afternoon of the 8th at the Jincheon National Training Center.