"An Se-young is already on the verge of becoming a GOAT, achieving an unprecedented record so quickly..." Even China marvels at her 'overwhelming world-class' status

*This content was translated by AI.

This is the dignity of the 'Queen of Badminton'. Chinese media expressed awe at An Se-young's (24) miraculous win rate and overwhelming dominance as she prepares to compete in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

On the 18th (Korean time), Chinese media outlet 'Sohu.com' focused intensely on An Se-young, stating, "An Se-young, aiming for the women's singles title at the Nagoya Asian Games, is just one step away from breaking Saina Nehwal's all-time record of 46 titles." The outlet added, "She currently displays an absolute class on the women's singles stage."

The media described An Se-young's records being set this season as "terrifying achievements." In fact, An Se-young is racing toward an unrealistic win rate of 98% with 49 wins and just one loss in the 2026 season. Her only defeat this season came in March at the All England Open final against Wang Zhiyi (China). At the World Championships held last August in New Delhi, India, she did not drop a single set across six matches, defeating Japan's Akane Yamaguchi in the final to claim her second career world championship title. Following that, at the China Masters, the final mock test before the Asian Games, she achieved three consecutive tournament titles with five straight wins without dropping a set.

At just 24 years old, An Se-young has already secured all major titles—Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, Asian Championships, All England Open, and BWF World Tour Finals—achieving her personal singles "Career Golden Super Grand Slam." She currently holds 45 international tournament trophies. If she adds just two more victories, she will surpass Saina Nehwal's all-time record of 46 titles.

Despite still competing with pain from a right knee patellar tendon injury and recently skipping the Japan Open due to a recent left foot injury, An Se-young dominates the court with her mature game management that adjusts match tempo. "Sohu.com" emphasized, "No player in Korean badminton history has achieved back-to-back Asian Games singles titles. If An Se-young reaches the top, she will make history for the first time."

Despite being a strong favorite for the gold medal, An Se-young is preparing for the tournament calmly, setting aside excessive pressure. During the media day at the Cheongju National Athlete Village, when asked about the weight of the Asian Games, An Se-young honestly shared her feelings: "Having competed in so many international tournaments, I view this as just another foreign competition. It doesn't feel particularly special."

This is a mindset control to shed self-imposed pressure in an atmosphere where winning gold is taken for granted. Park Ju-bong, head coach of the Bae Deu-min-teon (CEO) team, also encouraged her, saying, "Think of it as just one part of the numerous international tournaments you've participated in over the past year and turn that burden into confidence."

However, An Se-young showed firm determination, stating, "Na Ra-reul (CEO) is a stage where I will step forward, and hearing the national anthem from the highest spot on the podium is special. I will do my best to hear the national anthem at this tournament as well."

Through the official social networking service (SNS) of the Korea Badminton Association, An Se-young also vowed, "I will do my best to bring inspiration and strength to all citizens."

Three years ago at the Hangzhou Games, An Se-young overcame a knee injury, defeated Chen Yufei, and won gold in both singles and team events. At this tournament, she aims to achieve the first-ever back-to-back singles titles in Korean badminton history and take on the feat of winning two consecutive titles for the second time at the Asian Games.

Badminton matches at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will open on the 20th at the Ichinomiya City General Gymnasium in Japan. The women's team final, in which An Se-young will compete, is scheduled for the 24th, while the women's singles final, where history of back-to-back titles will be decided, will take place on the 29th.

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*This content was translated by AI.