Source:REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa
[Saba Sports News] The All England Open Badminton Championships, which has a history of 127 years, has launched a promotional campaign centered around the world number one, An Se-young. It is reported that the 2026 All England Open Badminton Championships will feature large-scale promotions focusing on An Se-young, who aims to defend her title and claim her third championship. The organizers have released photos of An Se-young on social media with the caption “The Queen is back.” Previously, An Se-young won the title at the 2023 All England Open Badminton Championships, becoming the first South Korean to win gold in this event in 27 years, following Bang Soo-hyun. In March of last year, An Se-young topped the podium again, increasing her championship wins at the All England to two.
However, as the organizers focus their promotions on An Se-young, fans from other countries seem to express jealousy. Online comments have even appeared, sarcastically stating, “It feels like besides An Se-young, there are no other women’s singles players.”
The editor believes that the organizers’ campaign, centered around An Se-young, can be interpreted as a high recognition of her symbolic significance and box office appeal. As the strongest women’s singles player in the world today and a defending champion, An Se-young’s presence is an important factor in enhancing the event’s value and anticipation.