Loh Kean Yew

Singaporean badminton player who became the first Singaporean to win the BWF World Championships men's singles title in 2021, reaching world No. 9 ranking.

Born in Penang, Malaysia, on June 27, 1997, Loh Kean Yew relocated to Singapore as a teenager to pursue his badminton career. He began representing Singapore at the junior level and gradually progressed through the national program, developing his distinctive aggressive playing style under the guidance of Singapore's coaching staff. Loh's breakthrough came in the late 2010s as he established himself on the international circuit. He secured his first major title at the 2020 Thailand Open, defeating several higher-ranked opponents to claim the championship. This victory marked his emergence as a serious contender on the BWF World Tour and demonstrated his ability to compete against the world's elite players. The pinnacle of Loh's career arrived at the 2021 BWF World Championships in Huelva, Spain, where he delivered one of badminton's greatest upsets. Entering the tournament as an unseeded player, he systematically defeated a series of top-ranked opponents to reach the final, where he overcame India's Kidambi Srikanth to claim the men's singles title. His victory made him Singapore's first-ever world champion in badminton and only the second Singaporean to win a world championship in any sport. Loh's triumph resonated far beyond Singapore's borders, as his fearless approach and attacking gameplay captured international attention. His world championship victory elevated Singapore's profile in badminton and inspired a new generation of players in the nation. Known for his explosive shot-making ability and mental fortitude under pressure, Loh demonstrated that unseeded players could still achieve the sport's highest honors through determination and strategic preparation. His success represented a significant milestone for Southeast Asian badminton and established him as one of the region's most accomplished athletes.

Aggressive attacking style with strong smashes and court coverage

First Singaporean to win BWF World Championships singles title

• BWF World Championships 2021
• Commonwealth Games Silver 2022
• Hylo Open 2019