Loh Kean Yew Shakes the Badminton World: Singapore’s First World Champion
When the sun set over Huelva, Spain, a 24‑year‑old from Singapore did more than just win a match – he shattered expectations.
It All Started with a Push
Picture this: the final point of the championship, a frantic push to the backcourt lands in the open. The crowd holds its breath. Loh Kean Yew, who hasn’t been seeded in this tournament, drops to his knees, then rockets upward into badminton folklore.
The Knockout Journey
- Against India’s No. 14 Srikanth Kidambi: 21‑15, 22‑20
- Beat Denmark’s top seed Viktor Axelsen in round one
- Stun world No. 3 Anders Antonsen in the semi‑finals
What He Says (and Why It Matters)
“I’m super, super happy. This feels like a dream, and now it’s a dream come true.”
Loh remarked to the Straits Times, acknowledging the immense support from Singapore’s fans and expressing a drive to chase Olympic glory.
Singapore’s Badminton History – A Quick Dive
- 2011 SEA Games gold (Fu Mingtian)
- 2002 Commonwealth gold (Li Li)
- 1955 All England titles (Wong Peng Soon)
- Now: Loh Kean Yew – first World Champion in men’s singles for Singapore
Other World Champions (Because Badminton Is Global)
- Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi (women’s singles)
- China’s Chen Qingchen & Jia Yifan (women’s doubles)
- Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh & Sapsiree Taerattanachai (mixed doubles)
Why This Feat Is Legendary
From beating top‑ranked players to mastering a lightning‑fast swing, Loh’s ascent has paved a path for Singapore to punch way above its weight in global sports arenas.
Beyond Badminton
- Swimmer Joseph Schooling – Rio 2016 100m butterfly gold
- Table tennis “Miracle in Moscow” – 2010 World Team Championship win
- New Paralympic double gold for Yip Pin Xiu at Tokyo 2021
- Bowler Shayna Ng – Women’s singles world champion, November 2024
With a 78‑point victory over 43 grueling minutes, Loh Kean Yew not only won the title but also rewrote Singapore’s sporting narrative. His story is a reminder that talent, perseverance, and a splash of courage can turn an ordinary athlete into a national legend.
Feel the thrill of the court, the roar of the crowd, and the sweet taste of a history‑making victory – that’s the heart of today’s badminton saga.
