An Se-young secured her second women’s singles title at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Sept. 29, defeating Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi 2-0 (21-17, 21-9) in the final at the international multi-sport event.
Yamaguchi Defeated in Straight Games
The final pitted An against Yamaguchi, the world number three and a three-time world champion. An controlled the pace across two games, closing out the match 21-17 and 21-9 to claim the gold medal. The result extends An’s head-to-head winning streak against Yamaguchi to nine consecutive matches. Throughout the 2026 season, An has suffered only a single defeat, taking a runner-up finish at the All England Open and retiring from the Japan Open due to injury. Since March, she has maintained an undefeated run in completed international fixtures.
Comparisons to Badminton Legend Lin Dan
Following the final, international media outlets highlighted An’s trajectory in the sport, drawing comparisons to Chinese badminton great Lin Dan. China’s Reference News reported that An’s consecutive Asian Games titles elevate her status to legendary territory and place her on a path toward matching Lin’s historic career milestones. Lin captured two Olympic gold medals, five World Championships titles, and two Asian Games men’s singles titles during his career, widely establishing him as one of the sport’s definitive figures.
Chasing Historical Benchmarks
To match Lin Dan’s overall record, An faces a demanding multi-year climb across major global competitions. Lin secured five World Championships titles, whereas An holds two. In continental competition, Lin won four Asian Championships titles, while An must secure three additional titles to draw level. On the Olympic stage, An’s path toward matching Lin’s two gold medals points directly toward the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
An Se-young Reflects on Record-Breaking Win
Speaking after the medal ceremony, An expressed her astonishment at the milestone. “It feels like all the hard work I’ve put in is being rewarded.” Addressing the comparisons to Lin, An acknowledged the inspiration she draws from established champions. “I am trying to follow in the footsteps of this great athlete,” An said. “Many wonderful players have achieved great feats, and they give me the motivation to want to perform well too. I cannot say that I am a player who never loses, but I never give up and always do my best.”
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