The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games badminton tournament kicks off on September 20, with South Korea's national team setting ambitious goals for gold medals across multiple categories.
Why it matters: The South Korean badminton team is among the favorites at the upcoming Asian Games, aiming to build on their past successes and maintain their strong international standing.
The Asian Games badminton events will run from September 20 to 28, 2026.
Head coach Park Joo-bong has set a target of 3 golds, 1 silver, and 2 bronzes for the team.
Some hope to surpass the record of 4 gold medals achieved in 1994 and 2002.
World No. 1 An Se-young leads the charge, aiming for medals in both women's singles and team events.
Driving the news: The South Korean badminton team recently expressed their confidence, with players like An Se-young and the women's doubles duo of Lee So-hee and Baek Ha-na sharing their ambitions for gold.
An Se-young, fresh off her victory at the BWF World Championships, emphasized her readiness for the Asian Games, stating she feels confident after a successful return from injury.
Lee So-hee and Baek Ha-na, who won the women’s doubles title at the World Championships, are also eyeing the Asian Games gold, aiming for a historic win.
Coach Park urged his players to transform any pressure into confidence, reminding them that the Asian Games should be viewed as just another international competition.
State of play: The South Korean team features a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, all working together to achieve their goals.
An Se-young aims to defend her titles from the last Asian Games and become the first player to win consecutive golds in women's singles.
In men's doubles, world-ranked No. 1 Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae are looking to break a 24-year gold medal drought.
The women's doubles team of Lee So-hee and Baek Ha-na is also aiming for gold, looking to replicate their recent world championship success.
Mixed doubles competitors are determined to reclaim glory, seeking their first gold since the 2010 Asian Games.
The big picture: South Korea's badminton history is rich, with the sport being included in the Asian Games since 1962, and the nation has consistently performed well.
No player has successfully defended a title in women's singles since the event's inception, making An Se-young's potential achievement particularly notable.
The 2026 Asian Games marks a return to Japan for the first time in 32 years, offering a chance to recreate the success of the 1994 Games.
Expectations are high, especially after the team’s strong performance at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.
What they're saying: Confidence is high among the players as they prepare for the tournament.
An Se-young stated, "I am very satisfied with my performance at the World Championships and feel confident heading into the Asian Games."
Lee So-hee highlighted the chemistry with Baek Ha-na, noting their differences in personality create a perfect synergy on the court.
Kim Won-ho expressed gratitude for his family’s support, adding, "I want to be remembered as a responsible father and athlete."
Coach Park emphasized the importance of mental strength, advising players to focus on their best performances rather than the pressure of expectations.
By the numbers: The South Korean badminton team has a storied legacy in the Asian Games.
Since badminton became an official sport in 1962, South Korea has won numerous medals, including a record 4 golds in 1994 and 2002.
This year’s Asian Games will be the first time badminton competitions occur in Aichi-Nagoya.
An Se-young’s recent victory at the BWF World Championships adds to her growing list of accolades.
The men's doubles team of Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae aims to end a 24-year wait for gold.
What's next: The South Korean badminton team will commence their campaign in Aichi-Nagoya with a series of matches beginning September 20.
The opening day features the men's and women's team competitions, with matches scheduled from 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
Key matches will be broadcasted, with expert analysis from former champions.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the performances of top players and the potential for historic achievements.
As the tournament progresses, expectations will rise, and the team will need to navigate both competition and pressure effectively.