Asia's most beloved badminton player outside China — became World Champion at just 18, Thailand's Olympic medallist and the player who has consistently challenged Chinese dominance across a decade of international competition.
Ratchanok Intanon was born in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand in 1994. She became World Champion in 2013 at the age of 18 — making her the youngest women's singles World Champion in history. She won Olympic bronze at London 2012 and represented Thailand across four Olympic Games. She won the BWF World Tour Finals and accumulated multiple Super Series and World Tour victories. Her combination of creative shot-making, aggressive net approach and technical variety made her one of the most entertaining players in women's badminton. She challenged Chinese dominance in the singles event more consistently than any other non-Chinese player of her generation and became Thailand's most recognisable sporting figure.
Youngest ever badminton world champion at age 18
How They Played
Aggressive attacking style with powerful smashes
Lasting Impact
First Thai player to win BWF World Championships
World Champion 2013 (age 18)
Career Honours
- World Champion 2013 (age 18)
- Olympic Bronze 2012
- BWF World Tour Finals winner