Top 5 Badminton Matches of All Time
I've been a lifelong fan of badminton and have seen a lot of amazing matches that have kept me on the edge of my seat. One of the fastest racket sports in the world, badminton is demonstrated by its lightning-fast rallies, breathtaking smashes, and incredible gets. I adore how a battle between two skilled opponents can change course in an instant.
After years of watching the game, there are a few matches that I consider to be the best. The drama, huge stakes, amazing talents, and never-say-die mentality that characterize these matches are the pinnacle of badminton play.
From the age of 14 till this date, I have watched and reminisced over many games in the world of sports, including badminton. Amongst those, these are the top 5 most amazing badminton matches of all in my opinion.
These matches have left a lasting impression on me and I would not be wrong to say to an entire generation of badminton lovers.
1. Lee Chong Wei v/s Lin Dan, London 2012 Olympic Final
Still wounded from his defeat at the 2011 World Badminton Championship, Lee Chong Wei was set to deliver an unmatched performance in the 2012 Long Olympic Badminton Men’s final. This was a long-anticipated match between the Malaysian Olympic Gold Medalist Lee Chong Wei and the Chinese legend Lin Dan.
Lin was the defending champion after defeating Lee in Beijing 2008. Hence, anticipations and hopes were high as Lee intended to defeat his adversary on the grandest platform at last. But Lee hoped to finally get the better of his nemesis on the biggest stage. The match saw both players at the absolute peak of their powers, trading lightning-fast smashes and playing scintillating all-court badminton.
The match between them was somewhat of a match between Gryffindor and Slytherin in the first Harry Potter movie (sorry a Potterhead here!). Lee was not going to give up even after losing a close first game. With a powerful comeback, he won the second game and sent the match into a decisive third.
The two champs gave it their best, fatigued but unflinching, and the atmosphere was electric. Ultimately, Lin dug deep (like Harry Potter) to win the gold medal (capture the Golden Snitch) in a historic battle between two of the sport's greatest players.
2. PV Sindhu vs Nozomi Okuhara, Badminton World Championship 2019 Final
PV Sindhu and Nozomi Okuhara are one of the greatest rival pairs in the history of modern badminton. The duo had met head-on in the 2017 World Badminton Championships final where Nozomi Okuhara etched her name in history by becoming the first Japanese woman to win the prestigious BWF Badminton World Championship title.
Pusarla V. Sindhu won a silver medal in the 2017 tournament. The next year, the duo met in the quarter-finals of the tournament where Sindhu defeated Okuhara and advanced to the semis and then the finals, winning another silver.
In 2019, Okuhara was set on another gold while Sindhu wanted to take it home as the first Indian to do so. It was a repeat of the 2017 epic battle with the final being held in Basel, Switzerland. The two crowd favorites were primed to compete for the gold medal once more, two years after their thrilling showdown.
With both players exchanging blows, the match began as a close contest. Okuhara capitalized on her crafty shots to win the first game 21-19. But in the second game, Sindhu stormed back, establishing her rhythm and controlling the rallies with her strength and reach. The second game was won by her 21–15.
Even if the fans started to grow tired in the decider, Sindhu and Okuhara never stopped thrilling them with their unwavering passion. In a match that lived up to the original, Sindhu broke away at 16-21 and won the third game 21-17 to retain her global title. As they hugged at the net, the two champions solidified their rivalry as the best in the history of modern badminton.
3. Li Xuerui vs Wang Shixian, London 2012 Olympics Semi-Finals
Chinese teammates Li Xuerui and Wang Shixian's 2012 Olympic semifinal showdown was an instant classic and a prime example of China's supremacy in women's badminton. Both athletes had realistic hopes of taking home an Olympic gold medal competing since they were ranked in the top 5 globally.
From the beginning of the competition, both players were trying to outmaneuver the other by using their speed, ability, and strategy in a highly contested encounter. Li won the opening game 21–15 because of some well-placed shots. However, Wang fought back to win the second game 21–17, preserving her chances of winning a gold medal.
One of the toughest games ever witnessed ensued. As Li and Wang fought their way to fatigue, the lead kept shifting. Following an exciting 87 minutes of badminton, Li eventually won 24–22 to secure her spot in the championship match and go on to win the Olympic gold. Wang's outstanding performance solidified her place among the game's greatest players despite the defeat.
4. Saina Nehwal vs Wang Shixian, London 2012 Olympics Bronze Medal Match
Saina Nehwal of India created history in the 2012 London Olympics by becoming the country's first-ever Olympic medalist in badminton. Her breakthrough came in the bronze medal match, where she faced the then-world number one, Wang Shixian of China.
Despite Wang's 21-13 victory in the opening game, Nehwal persisted in pursuing her ambition. In the second game, she returned fully refreshed and used her aggressive play to take Wang by surprise, winning 21–15.
The third game ended in a tense finish. However, Nehwal maintained her poise and outplayed Wang 18–21 with her cunning strokes. She became an overnight phenomenon and an inspiration to Indian badminton players after her victory. She inspired the next generation by demonstrating that, with perseverance and confidence, they too could be successful in the world arena.
Nehwal's bronze medal was a historic accomplishment that marked India's rise to prominence in a sport that other Asian superpowers had long dominated. One of the best athletes in India put on a performance that would define her career.
5. Lee Chong Wei vs Chen Long, World Championships 2015 Final
The highly anticipated match between China's Chen Long and Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei took place in the 2015 World Championship final. Chen had placed second twice, but Lee had won three silver medals. They were both attempting to win the coveted gold medal that had eluded them.
Lee had a great start, winning a close first game 21–17 with a variety of shots. In the second game, Chen fought back, using his unwavering defense to push the score to 18–21 and force a decider.
The spectators were astonished by the two badminton giants' heroic efforts throughout their breathtaking rallies in the third game. However, Chen was able to capitalize on Lee's aggressive strength and win crucial points. In a spectacular match between two all-time greats, he prevailed 21-17 to capture a historic first World Championship championship.
Though Lee was denied again, his legacy as Malaysia's greatest ever player was cemented. Chen's triumph marked the rise of a worthy successor who would dominate men's badminton in the years to come. It was a fitting final chapter to an iconic rivalry.
Final Words
These fierce matches demonstrate why badminton is regarded as one of the most visually spectacular and exhilarating racket sports. People all across the world are in awe of the astounding speed, dexterity, and talent on exhibit. Even though the champions shown here may eventually lose their shine, badminton history will never forget their incredible performances in these championship matches.
These matches capture the extreme highs and lows of competing at the highest level of sport, from Sindhu and Nehwal's victories signifying India's rise to Lee Chong Wei's tragic defeats to Lin Dan. Under extreme pressure, every match required the highest levels of physical, mental, and tactical proficiency.
Even if individual talent is evident, badminton also tests a person's resolve, fortitude, and capacity to overcome obstacles. These classic games serve as a constant reminder that while winning is fleeting, striving for competitive greatness leaves a legacy that will motivate future generations. Their persistent efforts pay homage to the greatest aspect of this sport’s immense beauty.
