Badminton is a sport that requires speed, agility, power, and precision. It is played by millions of people around the world, from casual enthusiasts to professional athletes. But who are the best badminton players of all time?
This is a question that has no definitive answer, as different players have different strengths, achievements, and styles. However, based on some criteria such as titles, rankings, longevity, and influence, here are 10 candidates for the best badminton players of all time.
World’s best badminton players
10. Han Aiping (China)
Han Aiping was one of the dominant women’s singles players in the 1980s. She won two gold medals at the 1985 World Championships, and another gold at the 1986 Asian Games making her one of the top player of Badminton.
She also won four All England titles, three Uber Cup titles, and two World Cup titles. She was known for her powerful smashes and aggressive play.
9. Peter Gade (Denmark)
Peter Gade was the leading men’s singles player from Europe in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was ranked number one in the world for a total of 33 weeks, and won 22 Superseries titles.
He also won the All England title in 1999, and reached the final of the World Championships in 2001. He was admired for his deceptive shots and elegant style.
8. Li Lingwei (China)
Li Lingwei was a rival and teammate of Han Aiping in the 1980s. She won three gold medals at the World Championships, two gold medals at the Asian Games, and five All England titles. She also won three Uber Cup titles and two World Cup titles. She was regarded as one of the most skillful and graceful players ever.
7. Taufik Hidayat (Indonesia)
Taufik Hidayat was one of the most popular and charismatic players in the history of badminton. He won the Olympic gold medal in 2004, and the World Championships gold medal in 2005.
He also won six Indonesia Open titles, four Asian Championships titles, and one All England title. He was famous for his backhand smash and his rivalry with Lin Dan.
6. Saina Nehwal (India)
Saina Nehwal is the most successful female badminton player from India. She won the bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics, and became the first Indian to win a World Championships medal in 2015.
She also won 11 Superseries titles, including two Indonesia Open titles and one All England title. She was ranked number one in the world in 2015, and inspired many young Indians to take up badminton.
5. Carolina Marin (Spain)
Carolina Marin is the current world number one in women’s singles, and one of the most dominant players in recent years. She won three gold medals at the World Championships, two gold medals at the European Championships, and one gold medal at the 2016 Olympics.
She also won eight Superseries titles, including three China Open titles and two All England titles. She is known for her speed, aggression, and fighting spirit.
4. PV Sindhu (India)
PV Sindhu is another Indian star who has made a mark on the global stage. She won the silver medal at the 2016 Olympics, becoming the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic final. She also won five medals at the World Championships, including a historic gold medal in 2019.
She also won five Superseries titles, including two India Open titles and one Korea Open title. She is admired for her height, reach, and consistency, making her one of the best badminton player in the world.
3. Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia)
Lee Chong Wei is widely considered as one of the greatest men’s singles players of all time. He was ranked number one in the world for a total of 349 weeks, and won 46 Superseries titles, a record that still stands today. He also won four Commonwealth Games gold medals, three Asian Championships gold medals, and three All England titles. He reached three Olympic finals and four World Championships finals, but unfortunately never won a gold medal in either event. He was renowned for his speed, stamina, and sportsmanship.
2. Lin Dan (China)
Lin Dan is arguably the most accomplished and influential player in badminton history. He is the only player to win two Olympic gold medals (2008 and 2012), five World Championships gold medals (2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2013), six All England titles (2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, and 2016), and 21 Superseries titles. He also won two Asian Games gold medals, three Asian Championships gold medals, and five Sudirman Cup titles. He is nicknamed “Super Dan” for his exceptional skills, power, and charisma.
1. Zhang Ning (China)
Zhang Ning is the only female player to win two Olympic gold medals (2004 and 2008) in badminton. She also won two World Championships gold medals (2003 and 2005), four All England titles (2002, 2004, 2005, and 2006), and 14 Superseries titles. She also won one Asian Games gold medal, two Asian Championships gold medals, and four Uber Cup titles. She is regarded as one of the most intelligent and consistent players ever.
The 10 best badminton players of all time have transcended boundaries, captivating fans with their exceptional skills, determination, and achievements. Their contributions to the sport have elevated badminton to new heights, inspiring generations of players to strive for greatness. As the sport continues to evolve, these legends will forever remain etched in the hearts of badminton enthusiasts worldwide.
