Canada is steadily shedding its long-standing underdog status in international badminton, according to Brian Yang, who believes recent performances reflect genuine progress and rising global recognition for the country’s players.
Despite bowing out in the first round of the 2026 Malaysia Open on Wednesday, losing 21-8, 21-19 to Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Brian remains optimistic about the trajectory of Canadian badminton.
“Over thе раѕt fеw years, we’ve been mаkіng a bіggеr іmрасt,” ѕаіd thе world No. 33. “Canadian рlауеrѕ dеѕеrvе more rесоgnіtіоn оn the wоrld ѕtаgе, аnd we’re bеgіnnіng tо еаrn іt.”
Canadian Players Making Waves on the World Tour
Brian’s confidence is not without merit. Over the past year, Canadian shuttlers have consistently advanced deep into major tournaments across multiple categories on the BWF World Tour, proving that Canada is producing players capable of competing at the highest level.
Victor Lai, currently ranked world No. 22, has been at the forefront of this rise. He reached the final of the Canada Open Super 300, defeating Brian in the semi-finals before losing to Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto. Victor further demonstrated his growing prowess by making it to the semi-finals of the Japan Masters Super 500, narrowly falling to Koki Watanabe.
Brian himself has shown solid form this year, reaching the semi-finals at both the Canada Open and the prestigious Japan Open Super 750, where he was eventually defeated by Hong Kong’s Angus Ng.
Women’s Singles Veteran Driving Consistency
Canada’s progress has also been fueled by the consistency of Michelle Li, a veteran of 34 years in women’s singles, who continues to deliver strong performances at top-tier events.
Michelle reached the finals at the French Open and Japan Open (both Super 750 tournaments) and advanced to the semi-finals at the Singapore Open Super 750, as well as the Australian Open and Hong Kong Open (both Super 500 events). Her sustained success has inspired a new generation of Canadian players and provided a blueprint for excellence on the international stage.
A Stronger Development Pathway
Brian emphasized that Victor Lai’s rise reflects the maturation of Canada’s badminton development pathway. Younger players are now benefiting from enhanced exposure, experience, and confidence, which were less accessible when Michelle first started her international career.
“Compared to when Michelle came onto the scene, there’s a lot more support now,” said Brian. “It’s thanks to pioneers like her that our country is improving as a whole.”
Changing Perceptions of Canadian Badminton
Canada’s growing consistency is slowly reshaping how the nation’s badminton program is viewed both domestically and internationally. While setbacks like early-round exits remain part of the journey, Brian believes these challenges are necessary for building depth, experience, and long-term competitiveness.
“Results don’t come overnight, but the progress we’ve made is undeniable,” he added. “We’re no longer just competing—we’re starting to be taken seriously.”
As Canadian shuttlers continue to gain experience and confidence on the world stage, the country is steadily transforming from a long-time underdog into a respected contender in global badminton, with players like Brian Yang, Victor Lai, and Michelle Li leading the charge.
ALSO READ :
