An Se-young on the Brink of Badminton History: Chinese Media Awed by Her 98% Win Rate Ahead of Asian Games

Entering the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, South Korean badminton star An Se-young has reached a staggering 49-1 record for the 2026 season, according to reports from outlets including Star News Korea.

Chasing Susi Susanti’s Record at Age 24

With 45 international singles trophies already in her collection, An stands on the precipice of history. According to reporting highlighted by Daum Sports, Chinese media outlet Sohu.com spotlighted her proximity to Susi Susanti’s benchmark of 46 titles. Having already completed a career Golden Super Grand Slam—securing titles at the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, Asian Championships, All England Open, and World Tour Finals—An’s current trajectory places her among the greatest to ever play the sport.

Unbeaten Runs and Form Leading to Nagoya

An’s dominance this season features a solitary blemish: a loss to China’s Wang Zhiyi in the final of the All England Open back in March, as noted by Star News Korea. Since then, she captured her second career World Championship title in New Delhi in August without dropping a single set across six matches, eventually defeating Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi in the final. She followed that performance by claiming her third China Masters crown without dropping a set, showcasing a masterclass in tactical pacing despite managing persistent right patellar tendon and left foot concerns.

Asian Games Stakes and Schedule in Japan

Badminton competition at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games opens on September 20 at the Ichinomiya City General Gymnasium in Japan. An enters the tournament aiming for two distinct historical milestones: no South Korean female singles player has ever successfully defended an Asian Games singles title. Having secured dual gold medals in singles and team events at the Hangzhou Asian Games three years ago despite knee injuries, she aims to replicate that multi-medal success. The women’s team final is scheduled for September 24, with the individual women’s singles final set for September 29.

Managing Expectations Ahead of the Opener

Despite heavy expectations surrounding her matches, An adopted a calm mindset during media availability at the Jincheon National Training Center. According to Star News Korea, she remarked that because she has played in numerous international competitions, the Asian Games feels like part of her regular circuit rather than an overwhelming burden. National team head coach Park Joo-bong echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the need to convert external pressure into confidence by viewing the event as a continuation of her year-round routine. Still, An acknowledged the unique pride of representing her country, stating that she hopes to hear the national anthem played from the highest step of the podium once again.