Ningbo, China – Wang Zhiyi, the world No. 2 badminton player from China, is pushing herself to the limit in preparation for a highly anticipated rematch with world No. 1 An Se-young of South Korea at the 2026 Asian Individual Badminton Championships. The tournament, set to capture place in Ningbo, China, from April 7-12, promises a compelling showdown between the two rising stars of the sport.
The Chinese Badminton Association recently unveiled a series of intense training sessions undertaken by the national team, including a particularly grueling mountain climb at Beijing’s Xishan Eight Great Places. The training regimen, designed to build endurance and mental fortitude, has drawn attention for its demanding nature. According to reports, players were required to ascend a course with approximately 2,300 steps, with most completing two round trips and some tackling the climb three times.
Wang Zhiyi was among those participating in the strenuous exercise. Images released by the Chinese National Olympic Committee show Wang, wearing goggles and a mask, visibly struggling during the ascent and even attempting to hitchhike on the descent. This dedication underscores the importance she places on being fully prepared for her next encounter with An Se-young.
The rivalry between Wang and An Se-young has quickly become one of the most compelling storylines in badminton. An Se-young previously held a dominant 10-0 record against Wang Zhiyi, but that streak was broken at the All England Open earlier this month, where Wang secured a 2-0 victory. This win marked a significant turning point for the Chinese player, boosting her confidence and setting the stage for a competitive rematch.
The draw for the Asian Individual Badminton Championships, released on March 24 by the Asian Badminton Federation, places An Se-young and Wang Zhiyi on opposite sides of the bracket, increasing the likelihood of a championship final showdown. An Se-young will begin her campaign against Yeo Jia Min of Singapore in the first round. A win would advance her to face the winner of the match between Nguyen Thuy Linh of Vietnam and Huang Yu-sun of Taiwan.
The path to the final won’t be straightforward for An Se-young, as she could face Han Yue of China in the quarterfinals and Chen Yufei, as well of China, in the semifinals. The potential for an all-Chinese semifinal adds another layer of intrigue to the tournament.
Wang Zhiyi’s route to the final begins with a first-round match against Chiu Pin-Chian of Taiwan. If she advances, she could face either Pusarla V. Sindhu of India, a two-time Olympic medalist, or Weng Ling Ching of Malaysia in the second round.
Wang Zhiyi’s recent triumph at the All England Open, where she defeated An Se-young, has clearly energized her. Having previously struggled against the Korean star, losing in the finals of the Malaysia Open and India Open earlier this year, Wang finally broke through at the prestigious All England Open. The victory was a watershed moment, and she is now determined to carry that momentum into the Asian Championships.
While Wang Zhiyi has already claimed victory at the Asian Championships in both 2022 and 2024, An Se-young is yet to win the title. This adds further motivation for both players as they prepare to compete for the coveted championship. The upcoming tournament promises to be a thrilling contest, with both athletes eager to prove their dominance in the Asian badminton scene.
The intense training, including the demanding mountain climb, reflects Wang Zhiyi’s commitment to peak physical and mental condition. The grueling regimen is a long-standing tradition within the Chinese badminton program, aimed at building the stamina and resilience needed to compete at the highest level. The focus now shifts to Ningbo, where the world will be watching to see if Wang Zhiyi can maintain her momentum and challenge An Se-young for the Asian title.
The 2026 Asian Individual Badminton Championships are scheduled to begin on April 7th in Ningbo, China. Fans can follow updates and results through the Asian Badminton Federation’s official website and social media channels. The tournament is expected to draw significant attention from badminton enthusiasts across the globe, eager to witness the clash between these two exceptional athletes.
