Ratchanok Intanon

Thai badminton player who became the youngest-ever BWF World Champion at age 18 in 2013 and reached World No. 1, known for her aggressive playing style

At 18 years and 239 days, Ratchanok Intanon became the youngest women's singles world champion in the sport's history when she defeated China's Li Xuerui in Guangzhou in 2013 — a result that snapped China's hold on the title for the first time since 2001 and announced Thailand as a genuine force in the discipline.. She began playing at age six and quickly demonstrated exceptional natural ability, progressing through Thailand's junior development system with remarkable speed. Her early promise was evident when she captured the World Junior Championships in 2009 and 2011, establishing herself as a future star of the sport. Intanon made her Olympic debut at the 2012 London Games as a 17-year-old, reaching the quarterfinals before losing to China's Wang Xin. The following year marked her career pinnacle when she defeated China's Li Xuerui to win the 2013 World Championships in Guangzhou, making her the youngest women's singles world champion at 18 years and 239 days. This victory represented a seismic shift in women's badminton, breaking China's stranglehold on the title for the first time since 2001. Despite four Olympic appearances between 2012 and 2024, an Olympic medal has eluded Intanon throughout her career; she has said she has 'got everything in my life except an Olympic medal.' Throughout her career, Intanon accumulated numerous prestigious titles, including victories at All England Open championships and multiple BWF World Tour events. She consistently ranked among the world's top five players and represented Thailand at four consecutive Olympic Games from 2012 to 2024. Her playing style combined explosive power with deceptive finesse, featuring creative shot-making and aggressive net play that made her matches highly entertaining for spectators worldwide. Intanon's significance extends beyond her competitive achievements. She became Thailand's most recognizable athlete and inspired a generation of Southeast Asian players to challenge traditional badminton powerhouses. Her sustained success against Chinese dominance demonstrated that excellence in women's singles could emerge from outside established badminton nations. As both a trailblazer and entertainer, she elevated the sport's profile in Thailand and proved instrumental in badminton's global expansion during the 2010s.

Aggressive attacking style with powerful smashes

First Thai player to win BWF World Championships

• World Champion 2013 (age 18, youngest ever)
• World Championship bronze medal (2019)
• BWF World Tour Finals winner (2016)