Badminton

Alex Lanier Secures Badminton World Championship Title in France's Golden Double Event

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Aug 23, 2026, 21:32 IST

On Saturday, Alex Lanier made history as France's inaugural singles badminton world champion, shortly after the mixed doubles team secured gold.

Alex Lanier Secures Badminton World Championship Title in France's Golden Double Event

In a historic achievement for French badminton, Alex Lanier emerged victorious on Saturday, becoming the first male singles player from France to win the world championship title. This remarkable feat occurred shortly after the French mixed doubles team secured gold, marking a significant day for the nation in the sport. The championship took place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, where Lanier, ranked 10th in the world, dominated Japan's Kodai Naraoka with a decisive score of 21-11, 21-11.

Lanier's victory was celebrated not only by him but also by his coach, as he leaped in joy and embraced his mentor on the podium while receiving his gold medal. "Today was definitely a day for French badminton and for the entire staff as well," Lanier remarked after his win. He expressed his desire to bring additional joy to his compatriots, stating, "When the mixed doubles won, everyone was happy, and I thought I needed to give them a double smile, double moments, and make history again."

Women's Final Highlights

The women's final showcased a thrilling contest between South Korea's An Se-young, the world number one, and Japan's Akane Yamaguchi, the reigning champion. An secured her second world title with a score of 21-17, 21-14, demonstrating her exceptional skills in a match that lasted 49 minutes. The crowd was treated to an exhilarating display of athleticism, with Yamaguchi's powerful jump smashes and returns keeping the audience engaged. However, An's strategic attacking and baseline play proved too formidable, allowing her to clinch the victory and celebrate with a triumphant scream.

Yamaguchi's silver medal marked a significant milestone, as she became the first female singles player to earn six medals at the world championships, further solidifying her legacy in the sport.

Mixed Doubles Triumph

Earlier in the day, the French mixed doubles team of Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue made history by defeating the top-seeded Chinese pair of Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping. The match concluded with a score of 22-20, 19-21, 21-15, earning France its first-ever world championship gold in this category. This victory, alongside Lanier's triumph, underscored a remarkable day for French badminton, showcasing the nation's growing prowess in the sport.

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