Badminton is one of the most famous sports in the world. Over the years, so many players have made us fall more in love with this amazing game. Their dedication, motivation, and thirst to win inspire the fans every time we watch them play. There rises a superstar every new decade, but only some are remembered throughout history. Let us have a look at the top 7 badminton players of all time.
Top 7 badminton players of all time
Lin Dan
Lin Dan is undoubtedly, the best player in the history of Badminton. A career of over 2 decades that was filled with domination, the “Super Dan” had no competition in the business. The Chinese shutter won an Olympic Gold medal at the age of 21 years. Do we need to say anything more?
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A two-time Olympic gold medalist, a six-time All-England Champion, and a five-time World Champion, Lin Dan is the ultimate GOAT of the sport. Lin Dan won a total of 662 games in his glorious career which began in 2000. Lin Dan won a total of 66 titles. His aggression was enough to dominate any player on the court, as he was invincible during his prime. He was sharp, he was ruthless, and he was the champion of the champions.
Lin Dan’s player profile
- Date of Birth: October 14th, 1983
- Handedness: Left
- Years Active: 2000 to 2020
- Career Records: 662 wins, 131 losses
Lee Chong Wei
Datuk Lee Chong Wei is the only Malaysian shutter to retain his no.1 spot for more than a year. Lee Chong Wei enjoyed a 199-week streak while being ranked no.1 from August 21st, 2008, to June 12th, 2012. Lee Chong Wei was close to perfect in Badminton Asia Championship in 2006 and 2014.
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He is also a triple Olympic Silver medalist in 2008, 2012, and 2016 Men’s singles events. Lee Chong Wei was handed the tile of “Datuk Wira” by the Governor of Malacca, Moha Khalil Yaakob.
Lee Chong Wei’s player profile
- Date of Birth: October 21st, 1982
- Years Active: 2000 to 2019
- Career Records: 713 wins, 135 losses
- Handedness: Right
Gao Ling
Gao Ling is touted to be one of this generation’s all-time great YONEX All-England Champions. Gao Ling experienced a decorated career in women’s doubles with a total of four titles to her name, which is the most by any shutter to date.
Source: Twitter/ BWF
Gao Ling is a two-time Olympic gold medalist. The Chinese shutter started playing Badminton at the age of 8 years and never looked back. She has also won a bronze in women’s doubles at the Olympics
Gao Ling’s player profile
- Date of Birth: March 14th, 1979
- Handedness: Right
- Years Active: 1993 to 2009
- Career Records: 611 wins, 128 losses
Taufik Hidayat
The Indonesian badminton player is widely known for holding the record for the fastest smash (305 km/hr) in the history of the sport. Taufik Hidayat achieved this feat at the 2006 World Championship.
Source: Twitter/ Badminton Updates
Taufik Hidayat was a fan favourite as he held his heart in his sleeves while being on the court. Hidayat had an unorthodox style of playing the game which he had mastered throughout his career. Watching him was a treat for badminton lovers. Taufik retired in 2014 as one of the greatest of the game.
Taufik Hidayat’s player profile
- Date of Birth: August 10th, 1981
- Handedness: Right
- Years Active: 1996 to 2014
- Career Records: 413 wins, 138 losses
Tony Gunawan
Tony Gunawan is an Olympic Gold medalist and has also won the World Championship with Indonesia. Gunawan later went on to win another World Championship with the United States of America.
Source: Instagram/ Candra Wijaya, OLY
Tony Gunawan is remembered as the Greatest Double Player in the history of badminton. During his glorious career, Gunawan clinched titles like the 2000 Olympic Gold and the 2001 and 2005 IBF World Championships with 3 men’s doubles partners.
Tony Gunawan’s player profile
- Date of Birth: April 9th, 1975
- Handedness: Right hand
- Years Active: 1992 to 2001
- Career Records: 501 wins, 163 losses
Rudy Hartono
Rudy Hartono was one of the biggest badminton players during the 60s and 70s. Rudy Harton won the All-England Championship a total of eight times, out of which he won 7 times at a trot from 1968-1974. He also clinched the World Championship in 1980. Rudy Hartono is known as the guy who revolutionized the sport. The Indonesian surely makes this list of the greatest of all time.
Source: Twitter/ LadPsycho
Rudy Hartono’s player profile
- Date of Birth: August 18th, 1949
- Handedness: Right
- Years Active: 1965 to 1982
- Career Records: 15 wins, 4 losses
Liem Swei King
It is said that it was very difficult to take the eyes of Liem Swei King when he used to grave the court. He believed in his work ethic and played the game with sheer confidence. Liem Swei King was so good at his game that there is a whole movie made about him with the title “King”. The movie takes us through the life of the two-time World Championship winner. Liem Swei King won the World Championship in 1980 and 1983.
Source: YouTube/ AllEnglandBadminton
Liem Swei King’s player profile
- Date of Birth: February 28th, 1956
- Years Active: 1974 to 1988
- Career Records: 14 wins, 3 losses
- Handedness: Right
So, these were the top 7 legends from badminton who have enthralled us all over the years. Do you think we missed out on any shuttler that absolutely deserved a mention in this list?
