China badminton suffers shock at ASIAD 2026

Early elimination of gold medalists Li Shifeng and Shi Yuqi leads to China's first-ever failure to secure a medal in men's singles badminton in 52 years.

Three years ago, at the home ASIAD, Li Shifeng defeated Shi Yuqi in the final, securing both gold and silver medals for China in men's singles. However, at this year's event in Japan, both players were eliminated early by South Korean opponents ranked significantly lower by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

Defending champion Shi Yuqi, ranked 4th in the BWF, lost 0-2 (17-21, 23-25) to Yoo Tae-bin (47th) in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Li Shifeng (12th) suffered a 1-2 reverse (21-18, 19-21, 18-21) against Choi Ji-hoon (102nd) in the round of 32.

China's Li Shifeng competes against Indonesia's Alwi Farhan in the men's team badminton final at ASIAD 2026 in Ichinomiya city, Japan, 24/9. *Photo: AP*

This marks the first time China has failed to secure a medal in men's singles badminton since its debut at the ASIAD in 1974.

In other categories, China achieved success. Two gold medals went to Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin in mixed doubles, and the women's team. The men's doubles pair Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, the women's doubles pair Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning, and the men's team all earned silver medals. Bronze medals were secured by Chen Yufei, Wang Zhiyi (women's singles), and Feng Yanzhe, Huang Dongping (mixed doubles).

Li Shifeng attributed his performance to physical fatigue after competing in the men's team final on 24/9. He lost 1-2 to Indonesian opponent Alwi Farhan after nearly 90 minutes. "My morale plummeted," Li stated in a quick interview. "After one day of rest, I truly wanted to perform well in men's singles, but I couldn't regain my form. I knew I shouldn't give up, but ultimately, I didn't perform well."

Meanwhile, Shi Yuqi struggled to regain his form and fitness leading up to the ASIAD, also contending with injuries. "I wasn't very confident in myself coming into this tournament," Shi revealed.

China's Shi Yuqi competes against Indonesia's Jonatan Christie in the men's team badminton final at ASIAD 2026 in Ichinomiya city, Japan, 24/9. *Photo: AP*

This disappointing performance follows China's men's singles failure at the World Championships in India in August, where no players reached the quarterfinals. Shi Yuqi and Weng Hongyang were eliminated in the first round, while Li Shifeng lost to Japan's Kodai Naraoka in the round of 16.

Men's singles has historically been a source of pride for Chinese badminton, leading the Olympics with 4 gold medals and accumulating 8 at the ASIAD. The period from the 2008 Beijing Olympics to the 2016 Rio Olympics saw the dominance of Lin Dan and Chen Long, who collectively secured three Olympic gold medals and two Asian Games golds.

The women's singles category also presents challenges for China, with South Korea's An Se-young demonstrating absolute dominance. Additionally, Japan's Akane Yamaguchi provides strong competition.

The results at ASIAD 2026 unfold amidst a period of turmoil and scandal within the Chinese Badminton Association (CBA). In 4/2026, Chinese media reported that CBA President Zhang Jun was under investigation for suspected "serious violations of discipline and law" — a euphemism often used for corruption.

Zhang Jun previously won Olympic gold medals in mixed doubles in 2000 and 2004. He began coaching the national team in 2007 and was elected President in 2019.

Following Zhang, Vice President Xia Xuanze, along with former Vice President and Secretary-General Wang Wei, also faced investigation for similar violations.

By 8/9, less than two weeks before the ASIAD 2026 opening, Zhang Xin was elected CBA President, with Li Lun as Vice President. The new president declared a strong stance against corruption and pledged to cleanse the chaos within the sport. He also stated his commitment to achieving the goal of "ensuring officials dare not, are unable to, and have no desire to engage in corruption."