2026 Badminton Nationals: Sangju Team Selection

Korea’s Top badminton Prospects Compete for 2026 National Team Spots in Sangju

The ‘2026 Badminton National Team Selection Tournament’ is underway in Sangju, South korea, as 115 athletes vie for coveted positions on the national team.

Sangju City is hosting the week-long tournament, running from December 21st to December 27th, at the Sangju Indoor Gymnasium. The event, organized by the Sangju Badminton Association and hosted by the korea Badminton Association, will determine the composition of the national team across men’s and women’s singles and doubles categories. Specifically,seven players will be selected for each singles division,and twelve pairs will qualify for each doubles division.

The competition comes as Korea continues to solidify its position as a global force in badminton. Notably, Ahn Se-young, a leading figure in the sport, recently achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first player to surpass $1 million in single-season prize money after winning the women’s singles title at the 2025 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China, on December 21st. However, both Ahn and fellow top-ranked player Shim Yu-jin have already secured their places on the national team and will not participate in this selection tournament.

Did you know? – South Korea has consistently ranked among the top nations in badminton, notably excelling in women’s singles and doubles. The country has a rich history of Olympic and World Championship success in the sport.

“We are honored to welcome national team candidates to Sangju who will raise the status of Korean badminton around the world,” stated Sangju Mayor Kang Young-seok.”We will spare no effort in providing administrative support so that all players can play in the best condition.”

This tournament builds upon Sangju city’s growing reputation as a hub for badminton excellence. Last August, the city hosted a two-week summer training camp for national team candidates, welcoming approximately 60 coaches and players. This initiative provided a important boost to the local economy, with participants utilizing area lodging and restaurants. .

Pro tip – Badminton scoring uses a rally-point system, meaning a point is scored on every rally, nonetheless of who served. A match is best-of-three games, with each game played to 21 points.

the selection tournament represents a crucial step in preparing for future international competitions and maintaining Korea’s competitive edge in the world of badminton. The event underscores Sangju’s commitment to supporting the sport and fostering athletic talent.

Why is this tournament happening? The ‘2026 Badminton National Team selection Tournament’ is being held to determine the athletes who will represent South Korea in upcoming international competitions, specifically for the 2026 season.

Who is participating? A total of 115 athletes are competing for spots on the national team, encompassing both men’s and women’s singles and doubles categories. Top players Ahn Se-young and Shim Yu-jin have already qualified and are not participating.

What is at stake? Seven players will be selected for each singles division,and twelve pairs will qualify for each doubles division. These athletes will earn the honor of representing South Korea on the world stage.

How will it end? The tournament, running from December 21st to December 27th, will conclude with the proclamation of the selected athletes who will form the 2026 national badminton team. The event aims to maintain Korea’s competitive edge in the sport and build upon Sangju City’s growing reputation as a badminton hub.