Who are the 10 best women badminton players in the world currently?

Badminton is one of the most popular sports that enjoys a global presence. The number of women playing the sport has increased, with some playing at the top level. Professional women badminton players have made a fortune in their careers and inspired other young talents.

Badminton began in the 1870s and is governed by the Badminton World Federation (BMF). Some famous female badminton players started from humble beginnings before conquering the world.

Top 10 women badminton players

Women's badminton has grown and produced gifted athletes who have built a legacy. Badminton is popular in Asian countries like China, South Korea, Japan, and India. It is also widespread in the UK, Denmark, and partly the United States.

Here is our ranking of the best women's badminton players based on their stats and achievements gathered from Sports Unfold and other sources of their BWF ranking.

Tanzania's national football team: players, coach, world rankings and nickname

Football

10. Pornpawee Chochuwong

Pornpawee is a talented Thai badminton athlete and one of the most influential women in the sport. She began shining in the junior championships before turning professional and winning titles.

• Full name: Pornpawee Chochuwong
• Date of birth: 22 January 1998
• Age: 26 (as of February 2024)
• Birthplace: Rayong, Thailand
• Nationality: Thai
• Current ranking: 16 (as of February 2024)
• Points: 55,859
• Accolades: Bronze medals (2017 Sudirman Cup, 2020 and 2022 Uber Cup), silver medals (2015 Asian Championships, 2016 World Junior Championships), gold medals (2017, 2019, and 2021 SEA Games)

9. He Bingjiao

He Bingjiao made headlines in 2013, winning multiple bronze medals before bagging an Olympic gold medal in 2014. She is one of the most gifted Chinese female badminton players.

Poland's national football team, players, coach, FIFA world rankings, World Cup 2022

Football

• Full name: He Bingjiao
• Date of birth: 21 March 1997
• Age: 26 (as of February 2024)
• Birthplace: Lianyungang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
• Nationality: Chinese
• Current ranking: 6 (as of February 2024)
• Points: 74,474
• Accolades: Bronze medals (2013 World Junior Championships, 2013 Asian Junior Championships girls' singles, 2018 World Championships), silver medals (2014 World Junior Silver, 2019 Asian Championships), BWF World Tour title

8. An Se-young

Se-young bagged the 2019 Most Promising Player of the Year, becoming the first Korean athlete to win the award. She also won the 2023 Female Player of the Year accolade. Se-young is the world no. 1 female badminton player.

• Full name: An Se-young
• Date of birth: 5 February 2002
• Age: 22 (as of February 2024)
• Birthplace: Gwangju, South Korea
• Nationality: South Korean
• Current ranking: 1 (as of February 2024)
• Points: 113,314
• Accolades: Five BWF World Tour titles, gold medals (2023 World Championship, 2022 Uber Cup, 2017 Asian Junior Championships)

Alex Telles' net worth, salary, age, stats, house, cars, contract and more

Football

7. P.V. Sindhu

Sundhu was the first Indian badminton player to make it to the Olympic finals in 2016. Forbes ranked her among the highest-paid female athletes in 2023, earning $0.1 million on-field and $7 million off-field.

• Full name: Pusaria Venkata Sindhu
• Date of birth: 5 July 1995
• Age: 28 (as of February 2024)
• Birthplace: Hyderabad, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Current ranking: 11 (as of February 2024)
• Points: 62,922
• Accolades: Bronze medals (2011 Asian Junior Championships, 2013 and 2014 World Championships), silver medals (2017 and 2018 World Championships, 2018 Commonwealth Games), gold medals (2011 Commonwealth Youth Games, 2019 World Championships)

6. Ratchanok Intanon

Ratchanok is one of the best Thailand women's badminton players. She entered the limelight at 13 and won the World Junior Championships at 14, becoming the youngest female badminton athlete to win the title.

• Full name: Ratchanok Intanon
• Date of birth: 5 February 1995
• Age: 29 (as of February 2024)
• Birthplace: Yasothon, Nai Mueang, Thailand
• Nationality: Thai
• Current ranking: 14 (as of February 2024)
• Points: 60,393
• Accolades: Bronze medals (2011 Asian Junior, 2019 BWF World Championships), silver medals (2010 Asian Games, 2012 Uber Cup), gold medals ( 2009, 2010, and 2011 BWF World Junior Championships, 2013 BWF World Championships)

Inaki Williams' brother, nationality, stats, age, current team, house, cars

Football

5. Akane Yamaguchi

Akane Yamaguchi is one of the best Japanese women's badminton players and the youngest athlete to win the BWF Super Series at 16 in 2013. She helped Japan end its 37-year Uber Cup trophy drought after beating Thailand 3-0 in the final in May 2018.

• Full name: Akane Yamaguchi
• Date of birth: 6 June 1997
• Age: 26 (as of February 2024)
• Birthplace: Katsuyama, Fukui, Japan
• Nationality: Japanese
• Current ranking: 4 (as of February 2024)
• Points: 90,767
• Accolades: 10 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour titles, five Superseries titles, two International Grand Prix titles, Asian Badminton Championship silver medal, two BWF World Championships.

4. Nozomi Okuhara

The Japanese athlete attracted global attention in 2011 after winning bronze at the World Junior Championships. She ranked no.1 in women's singles in 2019, becoming the second Japanese to achieve the fete.

Tobi Amusan's bio: parents, age, coach, height, cash prize, WORLD RECORD

Athletics

• Full name: Nozomi Okuhara
• Date of birth: 13 March 1995
• Age: 28 (as of February 2024)
• Birthplace: Machi, Nagano, Japan
• Nationality: Japanese
• Current ranking: 18 (as of February 2024)
• Points: 55,127
• Accolades: Five BWF World Tour titles, 2012 Asian Junior event silver medal, 2012 World Junior Championships gold medal

3. Chen Yufei

Yufei is currently world no.2 and one of the top female badminton players in the world. She has helped popularise the sport in China. Her pacey court coverage and relentless stamina make her a difficult player to beat.

• Full name: Chen Yufei
• Date of birth: 1 March 1998
• Age: 26 (as of February 2024)
• Birthplace: Hangzhou, China
• Nationality: Chinese
• Current ranking: 2 (as of February 2024)
• Points: 102,596
• Accolades: Bronze medals (2013 Asian Youth Games, 2023 Asian Championships), silver medals (2018 Asian Championships, 2018 Uber Cup), gold medals (2019, 2021, and 2023 Sudirman Cup, 2022 Olympic Games)

Kaka's net worth, achievements, house, cars, religion, what is he doing now?

Football

2. Tai Tzu-Ying

Tzu-Ying is a world-class badminton player known for her unique playing style. Tai started competing in her teens and has become one of the best. She is also among the famous athletes signed by Red Bull.

• Full name: Tai Tzu-Ying
• Date of birth: 20 June 1994
• Age: 29 (as of February 2024)
• Birthplace: Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
• Nationality: Taiwanese
• Current ranking: 3 (as of February 2024)
• Points: 97,036
• Accolades: Bronze medals (2014 Asian Games, 2015 Asian Championships), silver medals (2021 World Championships, 2020 Olympic Games), gold medals (2018 Asian Games, 2017, 2018, and 2023 Asian Championships)

1. Carolina Marin

Spain's Carolina Marin ranks as the best and most influential and celebrated female badminton athlete. She has multiple European titles, three world titles and an Olympic gold medal.

• Full name: Carolina María Marín Martín
• Date of birth: 15 June 1993
• Age: 30 (as of February 2024)
• Birthplace: Huelva, Spain
• Nationality: Spanish
• Current ranking: 5 (as of February 2024)
• Points: 85,556
• Accolades: Bronze medal (2016 and 2018 European Women's Team Championships), silver medals (2009 European Junior Championships, 2023 World Championships), gold medals (2014, 2015, and 2018 World Championships, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2021, European Championships)

Issahaku Abdul Fatawu's player profile, current team, age, stats, achievements, latest news, salary

Football

Frequently asked questions

Women's badminton players have won millions of hearts through their performances and achievements. They have helped transform the sporting landscape and challenge societal norms.

Who is the richest female badminton player?

According to Augustman, PV Sindhu is the wealthiest female badminton athlete, with an estimated wealth of $6 million. Others include Saina Nehwal ($5 million), W. Yihan ($5 million), and Carolina Marin $ 3.5 million).

Who is the best female badminton player?

Carolina Marin of Spain is regarded as the best female badminton athlete. The Spaniard has enjoyed remarkable success in her career and inspired many.

Who are the best Indian women's badminton players?

India has produced top badminton female stars with outstanding portfolios. They include PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Ashwini Ponnappa, Jwala Gutta, and Rituparna Das.

Final word

The rise of women badminton players has helped promote gender sensitivity and empower more women to embrace the sport. Most have made a fortune and transformed society using their talents and skills.

Henry Nwosu's biography: Football career and where is he now?

Football

READ ALSO: A list of the best racket sports: The world of rackets

Sports Brief published a list of sports with rackets and how to play them. Tennis, badminton, and squash are popular games using specialised rackets to strike balls or shuttlecocks. Follow the above link to learn more about them.