Top five fastest smashes in women's badminton history

Pearly Tan holds the record for the fastest smash in women’s badminton.
At this stage, women’s badminton seems to have come a long way in its evolution, where power play has improved so significantly that smash speeds now match those of men’s competition. The Malaysian sensation, Tan Pearly, smashed records in April 2023 by being clocked at 438 km/h, indicating the growing athlete prowess in women’s badminton.
A landmark moment for women’s badminton progression is the 2016 season, which put four of the five fastest-recorded smashes on the charts, notably at the All England and Malaysia Open tournaments.
Also Read: Top five junior Indian badminton players to watch out for
These records shine with unadulterated power and technical excellence, as with common racket gear and a well-honed style of play these superstars of racket sport achieved on the court. The cream of speed queens includes Olympic medalists, World Champions, and former World No. 1s, and this shows just how important power-hitting has come to be in today’s women’s badminton.
Here’s a look at the top five shuttlers who have recorded the fastest smashes in women’s badminton history.
5. Saina Nehwal (India) – 357 km/h

India’s first badminton superstar Saina Nehwal registered her fastest hit at the 2016 All England. The pioneering Olympic medalist combined perfect technique with explosive power. Her Nanoray 900 racket provided the technical edge for this achievement.
4. Wang Yihan (China) – 359 km/h
The former World Champion achieved her fastest smashed shot in her last season in the 2016 Malaysia Open to the infamous dead match. Wang’s heavy smash, though lost, showed the Chinese compatriots’ technicality. Wang’s height helped her smash inside the court.
Also Read: Top five badminton tournaments with highest prize money ft. Malaysia Open
3. Tai Tzu Ying (Chinese Taipei) – 360 km/h
The longest-reigning World No. 1 Tai Tzu Ying displayed her strong side at the 2016 All England quarter-finals. Tai was known more for her deception than strength, but the smash against Saina Nehwal expressed her full capabilities. This speed showed off her superb technical ability.
2. Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand) – 372 km/h
Thai dynamo delivered her historic smash in the semi-final of the 2016 Malaysia Open against Wang Yihan, where she secured her first-ever victory against her 12-loss streak. Intanon, then aged 21, combined impeccable timing with exceptional wrist speed to achieve such force.
Also Read: China Open: Full list of title Winners
1. Pearly Tan (Malaysia) – 438 km/h
The Malaysian powerhouse showcased unprecedented strength at Yonex Factory testing in 2023. Using cutting-edge equipment, her record-breaking smash redefined possibilities in women’s badminton. The controlled environment allowed perfect execution of power and technique.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram
- National Games 2025 full schedule, venues, dates, sports, all you need to know
- Mathias Boe talks about growth of World Padel League in India
- Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships 2025: Full list of participants
- Adarshini Shri, Raunak Chouhan headline India's squad for Dutch and German Junior Internationals
- National Games 2025: Badminton schedule, live streaming details
- Indian Sports Calendar February 2025: ICC Champions Trophy, National Games, FIH Pro League and more events to watch
- Top five Indian badminton players with most BWF World Tour titles
- Who are the all-time highest-ranked Indian badminton players in each category?
- Thailand Masters 2025: Updated Schedule, fixtures, results, live streaming details
- BWF Thailand Masters 2025: Live streaming, TV Channel, where and how to watch?