Sudirman Cup 2025: Malaysia, Japan, China among title favourites with strong field

The Sudirman Cup 2025 will be held in Xiamen from April 17 to May 4.

Malaysia will look to their seasoned doubles pairs to lead the way as the Asian powerhouse seek to make an impact at the Sudirman Cup 2025 in Xiamen that begins later this month.

With Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik finding form and winning the Badminton Asia Championships, and with the likes of Nur Izzuddin/Goh Sze Fei, Pearly Tan/Thinaah Muralitharan and Goh Soon Huat/Lai Shevon Jemie in their ranks, the Malaysians will be confident of a strong performance.

Men’s singles duties will be shouldered by Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh (world No. #9 Lee Zii Jia hasn’t been named), while in women’s singles, Goh Jin Wei and Letshanaa Karupathevan are the contenders. Malaysia are in Group C with Japan, France and Australia.

Like Malaysia, Japan are also seeking their first Sudirman Cup title, and appear to have a formidable line-up with the likes of Kodai Naraoka, Akane Yamaguchi, Tomoka Miyazaki, Mayu Matsumoto, Yuki Fukushima, Chiharu Shida, Nami Matsuyama and others. While Arisa Igarashi has been named, her former partner Yuta Watanabe isn’t in the squad.

Also Read: Sudirman Cup 2025: India start against Denmark; defending champions China to face Algeria on opening day

Meanwhile, hosts China, seeking a record-extending 14th title, have named a team rich with experience.

Experienced stars such as Shi Yu Qi, Li Shi Feng, Chen Yu Fei, Chen Qing Chen, Jia Yi Fan, Wang Chang, Liang Wei Keng and Huang Dong Ping will be accompanied by rising stars such as Liu Sheng Shu, Tan Ning, Chen Bo Yang, Liu Yi.

European power Denmark will have to do without Viktor Axelsen, who is recovering from a recent surgery. Another European power, France, have named a squad minus two European champions – Alex Lanier and Toma Junior Popov/Christo Popov.

Also Read: Alex Lanier becomes youngest men’s singles champion at Badminton European Championships

Indonesia, who won the Sudirman Cup in its debut year 1989, will be missing familiar name Anthony Sinisuka Ginting. However, Alwi Farhan and recent World Junior bronze medallist Moh Zaki Ubaidillah will be on call behind men’s singles spearhead Jonatan Christie.

Korea have been in great form this season and have a wealth of talent in women’s singles and the three doubles. With all their top guns in the squad, led by An Se Young, Seo Seung Jae, Kim Won Ho and others, Korea have a shot at going all the way this time. A total of 245 players (120 female and 125 male) will be action in Xiamen.

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