BWF World Championships: Legacy of badminton to Paris 2025
The BWF World Championships are the ultimate stage where badminton’s marquee players test their skill, stamina, and legacy.
Since its creation in 1977, the tournament has symbolized the pinnacle of individual achievement, with champions remembered as legends of the sport.
Unlike multi-sport events like the Olympics, this competition is dedicated solely to badminton, making it a centerpiece for fans worldwide.
The championship not only crowns world champions but also reflects the growth and modernization of badminton over the years.
In 2025, Paris, France, became the latest destination to host this iconic event, opening on August 25 and ushering in another historic chapter.
Everything you need to know about the BWF
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) serves as the governing body for the sport worldwide.
Established in 1934 as the International Badminton Federation (IBF) with nine founding member nations, it later evolved into the BWF in 2006 following its merger with the International Badminton Players Federation.
With its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the BWF oversees international competitions, rankings, and the development of badminton worldwide.
Its mission is to promote the sport, enhance its global reach, and ensure fair play across all tournaments.
Over the years, the BWF has introduced modern regulations, technological innovations such as instant reviews, and global development programs, transforming badminton into a sport played and loved in nearly every corner of the world.
BWF World Championships hosts and editions through the years
How BWF World Championships was conceived?
The idea for a dedicated world championship originated in the 1970s, when badminton was experiencing rapid growth in Asia and Europe.
Prior to the tournament’s creation, the most prestigious competitions were the All England Open and the Thomas and Uber Cups. However, these events were team-based or individual.
There was no official stage to crown the world’s best individual players.
In 1977, Malmö, Sweden, hosted the inaugural BWF World Championships (then under the auspices of the IBF), featuring players from around the globe.
The competition immediately filled a gap in badminton’s structure, creating an event similar in prestige to tennis’s Wimbledon or athletics’ World Championships.
How the tournament evolved through the years
The format and presentation of the BWF World Championships have undergone significant changes since 1997.
Initially held every three years beginning in 1977, the tournament switched to a biennial schedule in 1983 before becoming an annual event (except in Olympic years) from 2005 onward.
Technological innovations have also shaped the championships, as Hawk-Eye technology was introduced for instant line-call reviews, ensuring fair play.
Broadcast production expanded, allowing millions to watch matches live worldwide.
The championships also evolved into a global event, traveling across continents from Asia to Europe and beyond.
See also:
11 Richest Badminton Players in the world
Top Badminton players in the BWF prize money list
Mastering the game: Essential badminton terms every player should know
Top 10 Ayush Shetty moments after winning first seniors title
Tournament expansion explained
In its early editions, the BWF World Championships had limited participation, with only a select group of countries dominating the entries.
As badminton grew in popularity worldwide, the number of competing nations expanded significantly.
By the 1930s and 2000s, countries outside the traditional Asian and European strongholds began producing competitive players.
The tournaments currently include players from over 60 nations, reflecting badminton’s truly global appeal.
With more nations participating, the tournament not only highlights champions but also celebrates the sport’s expansion across continents such as Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.
2025 BWF World Championships open in France to a fiery start
The 2025 BWF World Championships will take place in Paris, France, with the action commencing on August 25. It is anticipated to be one of the most significant tournaments in recent years.
The venue in Paris brought a European flair to the competition, symbolizing badminton’s growing footprint outside Asia.
Day 1 featured exciting matchups in the men’s and women’s singles categories, with most of the top seeds easing into the tournament.
Other top names, such as Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen and Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, are also lined up as favorites to win it all.
China’s top shuttler Shi Yuqi was challenged early before defeating India’s Lakshya Sen, 21-17, 21-19.
However, the comeback attempt of Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia stumbled early, losing to South Korea’s Hyeok-jin Jeon 21-17, 21-11.
When the smoke of battle cleared, Shi emerged victorious, winning, 19-21, 21-10, 21-18, over Kunlavut in the final, to grab the men’s singles title.
In the women’s singles final, Akane Yamaguchi stood out after beating China’s Chen Yu Fei, 21-9, 21-13, for her third world title.
Final results: 2025 BWF World Championships
Men’s Singles
| Stage | Winner | Loser | Scoreline |
| Quarterfinal | Anders Antonsen (Denmark) | Chou Tien Chen (Chinese Taipei) | 21-17, 23-21 |
| Quarterfinal | Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand) | Jonatan Christie (Indonesia) | 21-14, 18-21, 21-8 |
| Quarterfinal | Victor Lai (Canada) | Loh Kean Yew (Singapore) | 22-20, 21-18 |
| Quarterfinal | Shi Yu Qi (China) | Weng Hong Yang (China) | 21-15, 7-21, 21-10 |
Semi-final | Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand) | Anders Antonsen (Denmark) | 21-17, 21-15 |
| Semi-final | Shi Yu Qi (China) | Victor Lai (Canada) | 13-21, 22-20, 21-16. |
| Final | Shi Yu Qi (China) | Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand) | 19-21, 21-10, 21-18 |
Women’s Singles
| Stage | Winner | Loser | Scoreline |
| Quarterfinal | An Se-young (South Korea) | Sim Yu Jin (South Korea) | 21-10, 21-6 |
| Quarterfinal | Chen Yu Fei (China) | Pornpawee Chochuwong (Thailand) | 22-20 21-14 |
| Quarterfinal | Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) | Han Yue (China) | 21-5, 21-19 |
| Quarterfinal | Putri Kusuma Wardani (Indonesia) | P.V. Sindhu (India) | 21-14, 13-21, 21-16 |
Semi-final | Chen Yu Fei (China) | An Se-young (South Korea) | 21-15, 21-17 |
| Semi-final | Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) | Putri Kusuma Wardani (Indonesia) | 21-17, 14-21, 21-6 |
| Final | Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) | Chen Yu Fei (China) | 21-9, 21-13 |
What future lies ahead for the BWF World Championships?
The BWF World Championships are poised for an even brighter future.
With badminton growing rapidly in emerging markets, the event is expected to expand its reach to new host cities across multiple continents.
Technological advancements—such as enhanced performance tracking, AI-powered analysis, and immersive broadcasts—promise to bring fans closer to the action than ever before.
On a broader level, the continued rise of players from diverse countries will further globalize the sport.
By 2030, we may see champions emerging from regions that previously had little presence on the world stage, ensuring the BWF World Championships remain a truly international celebration of badminton.
BWF World Championships: In retrospect
From its origins in 1977 to its upcoming Paris showcase in 2025 and beyond, the BWF Championships has carved out a permanent place in sports history.
It began as a small tournament to crown individual champions but has grown into one of the most prestigious competitions in global sport.
Along the way, it has given us unforgettable rivalries, historic moments, and legendary champions who defined eras.
The 2025 edition in France marks another milestone, demonstrating badminton’s global reach and enduring appeal.
As the sport continues to evolve, the BWF World Championships will remain badminton’s defining stage, where legends are made and the future is written.
Visit M88Badminton.com for more badminton news and updates.
Check out M88 Mansion’s best offers here.
You may also like
BWF World Tour Finals 2025: Predictions and what to expect December 16, 2025
French Open 2025 badminton: From a storied past to a bright future October 22, 2025
