Alex Lanier Stuns Kodai Naraoka To Win Historic Badminton World Championships Title
Alex Lanier produced a stunning display to defeat Japan’s Kodai Naraoka 21-11, 21-11 and win the BWF World Championships 2026 men’s singles title in New Delhi on Sunday. The French shuttler dominated the final from the start, combining sharp movement, attacking intent and powerful smashes to keep Naraoka under constant pressure. Lanier wrapped up the one-sided contest in under 50 minutes, sealing a historic first World Championships singles crown for France. The 21-year-old’s triumph also marked a landmark moment for French badminton, as he became the country’s first player to win a singles world title. Naraoka, meanwhile, was unable to recover after falling behind early in both games.
L to R standing on the podium are silver medalist Japan's Kodai Naraoka, gold medalist France's Alex Lanier, and joint bronze medalists Canada's Victor Lai and Taiwan's Chou Tien Chen in the men's singles category of the Badminton World Championships in New Delhi, India. | Photo: AP/Manish Swarup
Gold Medalist,France's Alex Lanier, right, along with coach during presentation ceremony after winning the final of men’s singles badminton match against Japan's Karai Naraoka during the BWF World Championships, at IGI Stadium, in New Delhi. | Photo: PTI/Salman Ali
France's Alex Lanier celebrates his win against Japan's Kodai Naraoka in the men's singles final match of the Badminton World Championships in New Delhi, India. | Photo: AP/Manish Swarup
France's Alex Lanier celebrates after winning the final of men’s singles badminton match against Japan's Karai Naraoka during the BWF World Championships, at IGI Stadium, in New Delhi. | Photo: PTI/Salman Ali
Japan's Kodai Naraoka reacts as he plays against France's Alex Lanier in the men's singles final match of the Badminton World Championships in New Delhi, India. | Photo: AP/Manish Swarup
France's Alex Lanier plays against Japan's Kodai Naraoka in the men's singles final match of the Badminton World Championships in New Delhi, India. | Photo: AP/Manish Swarup
Japan’s Kodai Naraoka competes against France’s Alex Lanier, unseen, in a men’s singles final badminton match during the BWF World Championships, at IGI Stadium in New Delhi. | Photo: PTI/Salman Ali
France's Alex Lanier competes in the final of men’s singles badminton match against Japan's Karai Naraoka during the BWF World Championships, at IGI Stadium, in New Delhi. | Photo: PTI/Salman Ali
Japan’s Kodai Naraoka competes against France’s Alex Lanier, unseen, in a men’s singles final badminton match during the BWF World Championships, at IGI Stadium in New Delhi. | Photo: PTI/Salman Ali
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