Hangzhou, China (DECEMBER 15, 2025) — Fresh off a gold medal at the 2025 YONEX International Canadian Challenge, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has awarded Victor Lai the Eddy Choong “Rising Star of the Year” Award, making him the first Canadian athlete to receive this prestigious honor.
“I am truly honored to win the Eddy Choong Award this year. This award means a lot to me, and it would not have been possible without the support of my club, my coaches and my family,” shares Victor. “I hope I can continue to progress and aim for even bigger goals!” »
The Eddy Choong “Rising Star of the Year” Award recognizes an emerging athlete, aged 22 or younger, who has demonstrated exceptional performance, commitment and potential on the international stage. Victor’s landmark 2025 season was highlighted by strong results in international competition, including a bronze medal at the BWF World Championships, as well as steady progression in the world rankings – currently ranked 22nd in men’s singles. Over the past year, Victor has climbed more than 80 places in the rankings and finished first or second in several major tournaments.
This achievement places Victor among an elite group of rising stars globally and highlights Canada’s growing presence on the international badminton scene. Note that Brian Yang, also Canadian, was nominated for this award in 2021, which demonstrates the upward trajectory of Canadian athletes on a global scale.
“This is an incredible honor for Victor,” said Mike Butler, head coach of the Canadian team. “This year has been exceptional for him. This award is like the icing on the cake of all his achievements. He has a bright future and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him, as a player and as a person. Congratulations, Victor. »
Badminton Canada congratulates Victor Lai on this historic achievement and looks forward to supporting his continued development as he represents Canada on the world stage. Badminton Canada thanks our key partners who support the sport across the country: Yonex and Sport Canada. Their investments support many aspects of sport, from events to national teams.
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For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Bryan R. Merrett
Executive Director
613-518-1501, then 2083
[email protected]
About Badminton Canada
With shuttlecocks reaching speeds of up to 565 km/h, badminton attracts more than 220 million people worldwide each week, making it the second most practiced sport in the world. Badminton Canada works to grow badminton across the country through events, coaching and officials training, and programs such as Shuttletime. In Canada, more than 2 million people have picked up a badminton racket and played our sport. Some play at the cottage, others in the yard, at school, at the community center or as part of a competition organized by Badminton Canada. Badminton is easily accessible – for any Canadian – at any age – for life!
About the Eddy Choong “Rising Star” Award
The Eddy Choong “Rising Star of the Year” Award is presented annually and recognizes an individual, an emerging global talent in badminton (aged under 22). This award reflects promising and increasing performance over a 12-month period (from December 1 of one year to November 30 of the following year).
