KB News Desk
South Korean badminton star An Se-young returns home as two-time world champion
South Korean badminton star An Se-young arrived at Incheon Airport early Tuesday, two days after winning the world title in women’s singles in New Delhi.
An, the world No. 1, defeated second-ranked Akane Yamaguchi of Japan 21-17, 21-14 in the final to cap a flawless six-match run in which she did not lose a single game.
The win marks her second world title, following her victory at the 2023 Copenhagen World Championships, and makes her the first Korean player to hold a world title in badminton singles.
Speaking to reporters at the airport on Tuesday, An said she was happier to win this world title than she was three years ago.
“I don’t really want to think about the last title anymore, because that’s in the past. I just want to enjoy this moment and believe this win will help me move forward. That’s why I like this gold medal better,” she said with a big grin.
The win comes after An withdrew from the Japan Open in July due to a left foot injury. She said self-belief was what carried her to first place at this championship.
“With some lingering pain, I think I was a bit hesitant in the early rounds,” An said. “But as I kept playing against world-class opponents, I was able to react better and find my rhythm.”
She also looked ahead to the upcoming Asian Games, set to open next month in Japan.
“If I go in with nothing to lose and play with confidence, I think my opponents will tense up,” she said, adding that she plans to carry the same preparation and mindset into future competitions.
