Viktor Axelsen and An Se Young, reigning gold medalists from the Paris Olympics, reaffirmed their dominance on the badminton court by winning the prestigious $950,000 India Open on Sunday. Both showcased exceptional performances, leaving no doubt about their status as the world’s best in their respective categories.

Axelsen Clinches Third India Open Title

Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen delivered a commanding performance to claim his third men’s singles title at the Super 750 event, defeating Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu 21-16, 21-8. The final, held at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi, was expected to be a close contest, especially since Lee had defeated Axelsen in the first round of the Malaysia Open just a week earlier.

However, the two-time Olympic and world champion bounced back impressively. Despite trailing 2-6 early in the first game, Axelsen found his rhythm with precise smashes and airtight defence. Lee struggled to sustain his attacking strategy as Axelsen retrieved nearly every stroke, forcing errors from his opponent.

Axelsen dominated the second game, combining net play with powerful back-court smashes to seal a lopsided victory. Reflecting on his performance, the 31-year-old said:

“To be honest, it didn’t feel like smooth sailing at all. I was struggling, especially at the start with Lee’s game. But my legs started coming. I started moving better, and my defence and offence improved. From there, I felt more and more confident.”

A Se Young’s Sublime Victory

Korean world No. 1 An Se Young cruised to a convincing 21-12, 21-9 win over Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong in the women’s singles final. She displayed complete control throughout the match, outclassing her opponent with clinical precision and court coverage.

An’s victory further solidifies her status as a dominant force in women’s badminton, adding another title to her remarkable season.

A Packed Stadium Despite No Indian Finalists

The KD Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi was packed to capacity, even though no Indian players were in action on the final day. Fans were treated to a masterclass in badminton as Axelsen and An delivered stellar performances.

Both Olympic champions’ consistent excellence since Paris 2024 underscores their standing as the sport’s elite, continuing to set new benchmarks on the global stage.

Viktor Axelsen and An Se Young's victories at the India Open highlighted their resilience and dominance, further solidifying their reputations as badminton's elite.

Axelsen Finds His Competitive Edge

Since his Olympic triumph in Paris, Viktor Axelsen's journey had its share of challenges. The Danish world No. 5 competed in six tournaments, facing early-round exits in half of them—an unusual occurrence for the two-time Olympic champion. However, his victory in New Delhi marked a significant turning point.

Axelsen reflected on the importance of this title, saying:

“This title feels very special. I’ve struggled a little bit post-Olympics with injuries, training, and my motivation. He reflected on how, this week, he truly felt like a competitor, pushing himself in every match to dig deep and find a solution. He highlighted how this victory reignited his passion and determination, driving him forward.

“This win gives me a lot of motivation, which I’ve lacked a little since the Olympics. Titles are not all for me; I want to keep improving and finding solutions under different circumstances. I’m very proud and happy.”

A Se Young’s Unstoppable Run

Korean world No. 1 An Se Young has maintained an exceptional level of performance since her Paris Olympics triumph. In the five tournaments, she’s played since, An has reached four finals and clinched three titles, showcasing her unrivalled consistency.

At the India Open, An dispatched Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong 21-12, 21-9 in a one-sided women’s singles final, extending her flawless record against Chochuwong to 10-0. The reigning world and Olympic champion dominated from the start, taking an 11-4 lead in the first game and controlling the second with a 7-1 advantage.

An, now 22, hasn’t dropped a game in her 10 matches in 2025, adding her second India Open title to the Malaysia Open crown she won last week.

Her sustained brilliance makes her the player to beat in women’s badminton, with her dominance seemingly growing with each tournament.

A Bright 2025 for Both Champions

For Axelsen, the India Open victory marks a return to form, while for An Se Young, it’s another stepping stone in a career that continues to ascend. Both champions’ performances underline their readiness to continue shining on the global stage.

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