Badminton’s evolution into a global sport has been shaped by iconic tournaments and landmark moments. Below are the most prestigious events that have defined the sport’s competitive landscape over the decades.
Widely regarded as the most prestigious individual badminton tournament, the World Championships crown the official world champions in five disciplines. Held annually (except Olympic years), it offers the highest ranking points alongside the Olympics and attracts the world’s top players competing for gold medals and global recognition.
Since its debut in 1992, badminton at the Olympics has become the pinnacle of the sport, where players represent their countries on the biggest international stage. It is the most coveted title for players and receives the most attention from national federations and fans worldwide.
The Thomas Cup is the premier men’s international team event, held biennially since 1948. It has a rich history and is highly prestigious, showcasing national team strength through a series of singles and doubles matches. Alongside the Uber Cup (women’s team event), it forms the backbone of badminton’s team competitions.
- 1987: China’s clean sweep at the World Championships, led by Yang Yang and Li Lingwei
- 2019: PV Sindhu became India’s first world champion, defeating Nozomi Okuhara in Basel
- 2023: Seo Seung Jae (Korea) became the first male player in 24 years to win two golds (men’s and mixed doubles) at a single Worlds
- A player touches the net with their body or racket.
The 2024 Paris Olympics and 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris will spotlight next-gen stars like Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn and Korea’s An Se Young, while veterans like Viktor Axelsen aim to extend their dominance.
From the All England’s century-old legacy to the Olympic stage, these events have cemented badminton as a sport of agility, strategy, and global appeal. Each tournament writes new chapters in the sport’s rich history, inspiring players and fans alike.