Crazy Time: The 19th edition of the BWF Sudirman Cup will be held in Xiamen, China, from April 27 to May 4, 2025. This prestigious biennial mixed-team badminton championship features 16 national teams. Since its inception in 1989, it has showcased top talent. Here are the top five title favourites for Sudirman Cup 2025.
Malaysia
Team Malaysia will be led by former world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in men’s doubles, aiming to make an impact despite the absence of their top men’s singles player, Lee Zii Jia. Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan, though not in peak form, bring experience and stability to the women’s doubles. In mixed doubles, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei are Malaysia’s strongest bet.
If they manage to upset Japan in the group stage and maintain momentum into the quarterfinals, a semifinal berth in Xiamen is within reach.
Crazy Time: Indonesia
Led by former All England champion Jonatan Christie, Indonesia remains a formidable force, especially in doubles traditionally their area of strength. Although the absence of top women’s singles player Gregoria Mariska Tunjung will undoubtedly be a significant blow to the team, Indonesia’s squad remains strong and competitive across other disciplines. The team’s depth in doubles events, in particular, continues to be a major strength, with skilled and experienced pairs ready to challenge for top honors. Led by former All England Champion Jonatan Christie, Indonesia’s men’s singles lineup is still formidable, and the doubles teams have been consistently high-performing on the international stage.
While losing a key player like Tunjung may pose challenges, the team’s overall cohesion and experience in major tournaments should allow them to remain a serious threat. The squad’s ability to adjust and rely on the depth of their doubles and mixed doubles sections ensures they will still be contenders for a podium finish. Indonesia’s badminton pedigree, with its rich history of success in the Sudirman Cup and other prestigious events, makes them one of the favorites to make a strong run, even without their top women’s singles player. Their well-rounded roster, tactical flexibility, and competitive spirit will keep them in the race for a medal in Sudirman Cup 2025.
Japan
Two-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi leads a strong and well-balanced Japanese team for the Sudirman Cup 2025. Yamaguchi’s experience and skill make her a key asset in the women’s singles category, where she continues to set a high standard. However, it is the depth in the women’s doubles department that stands out as one of Japan’s biggest strengths. Top players like Nami Matsuyama, Chiharu Shida, Mayu Matsumoto, and Arisa Igarashi bring a wealth of talent and potential, making the team formidable in this sector.
In the men’s singles, Kodai Naraoka steps up as the primary contender, ready to take on the world’s best. Meanwhile, Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi, both experienced players, make their highly anticipated return to the men’s doubles, adding further strength to Japan’s campaign.
With solid players in all categories, including mixed doubles, Japan’s team is poised for a strong performance at the Sudirman Cup. Their well-rounded squad, built on a blend of experience and youth, positions them as one of the leading medal contenders, and they are certainly a force to be reckoned with in the competition.
South Korea
World No. 1 An Se Young headlines a South Korean team packed with elite doubles talent. The roster includes former world champions Seo Seung-jae, Chae Yu-jung, and Kim Won Ho, alongside Olympic medalists Jeong Na Eun, Kong Hee Yong, and Lee So Hee. Their unique ability to form effective scratch pairings gives them tactical versatility. Crazy Time With a world-beating singles star and elite doubles depth, South Korea is one of the top two title favourites.
Crazy Time: China
The defending champions and the most successful team in the tournament’s history, China are favourites to claim a record-extending 14th Sudirman Cup title. Their squad boasts elite talent, including World No. 1 Shi Yuqi, top mixed doubles pair Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin, and the strong women’s doubles team of Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning. With both depth and pedigree,Crazy Time China remains the team to beat.
