The 2024 Badminton World Federation (BWF) Awards ceremony took place in Hangzhou, where the sport’s top achievers were honoured. China emerged as the dominant force, taking home four of the five major awards, while South Korea’s An Se Young was once again named Female Player of the Year for the second year in a row.

An Se Young: A Stellar Year

An Se Young, the world’s No. 1 ranked player, had a remarkable year in 2024, and her success was duly recognized as she retained her Female Player of the Year title. The 22-year-old South Korean shuttler enjoyed a stellar season, highlighted by her gold medal at the Paris Olympics and four BWF World Tour titles. Her achievements stood out against stiff competition, including Indonesia’s Gregoria Tunjung and China’s Wang Zhiyi and Han Yue.

Upon receiving the award, An expressed her gratitude, saying, “This has been an unforgettable year. I’m grateful to everyone who supported me along the way.” Her dominant performances on the international stage have solidified her position as one of badminton’s brightest stars.

Shi Yuqi: Male Player of the Year

In the men’s category, China’s Shi Yuqi was named Male Player of the Year after a breakthrough season. The 27-year-old reached world No. 1 for the first time in his career, playing a key role in China’s Thomas Cup triumph and claiming four BWF World Tour titles. His consistent excellence earned him the prestigious title, beating strong contenders such as Chou Tien-chen of Chinese Taipei and Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen and Anders Antonsen.

Reflecting on his honor, Shi said, “This award validates a year of hard work and determination. I am proud to have delivered consistent performances, especially in team events.” His rise to the top has made him a standout player in world badminton.

China’s Dominance in Doubles

The doubles categories were also dominated by Chinese players. The Men’s Doubles award went to Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, while Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning claimed the Women’s Doubles honor. In the Mixed Doubles, Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping took home the award. These players displayed exceptional teamwork and skill, reinforcing China’s supremacy in the doubles disciplines.

Players’ Player of the Year

A new award, the Players’ Player of the Year, voted on by fellow athletes, was given to An Se Young and Viktor Axelsen. Although Axelsen could not attend the ceremony due to a foot injury, he thanked his peers via a pre-recorded message, saying, “This recognition from my fellow players means the world to me.” The honor highlights the respect that both players command among their colleagues.

Rising Star: Alex Lanier

France’s Alex Lanier, at just 19 years old, was awarded the Eddy Choong Rising Star Award, formerly known as the Most Promising Player Award. Lanier made waves in 2024 by winning the Japan Open, defeating top players such as Shi Yuqi, Chou Tien-chen, and Lee Zii Jia. This accolade recognizes his potential to become a future star in the sport.

Looking Ahead: BWF World Tour Finals

Attention now shifts to the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, where the competition is expected to be fierce. In the men’s singles, Viktor Axelsen’s withdrawal due to injury has opened up the Group A spot for China’s Li Shifeng, who joins Denmark’s Anders Antonsen, Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien-chen, and Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia. In Group B, Shi Yuqi will face Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie, Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, and Japan’s Kodai Naraoka.

In the women’s singles, An Se Young heads Group B, alongside China’s Han Yue, Thailand’s Supanida Katethong, and Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi. Group A includes China’s Wang Zhiyi, Indonesia’s Gregoria Tunjung, Japan’s Aya Ohori, and Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan.

Hall of Fame Inductees

The evening was further elevated by the induction of retired legends Chen Long of China and Lee Yong-dae of South Korea into the BWF Hall of Fame. Both players have left an indelible legacy in the sport, inspiring future generations of badminton players around the world.

With the 2024 BWF awards, the badminton world has once again celebrated its finest talents, and the stage is now set for more thrilling action in the upcoming BWF World Tour Finals.

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