Badminton is the fastest sport in the World and the popularity of the sport has grown manifold over the past few years. This rise has been defined by the inspiring International players like Lin Dan, Lee Chong Wei, Carolina Marin, PV Sindhu, Victor Axelson, and many more. When it comes to the world record for the fastest smash in the World, it has been recorded by Tan Boon Hoeng with a massive 493 km/h. However, this was recorded under test conditions.
Over a while, smashes have started dominating the rallies, and the above record is a reminder of the unbelievable speed a badminton player can generate while delivering a smash. In this article, I will take you across the fastest competition smashes that have been hit in the history of badminton.
#5- Parupalli Kashyap – 401 kmph
Parupalli Kashyap was once the brightest prospect for men’s singles in India. However, plagued with injuries over a while, forced him to drop out of the 2016 Rio Olympics which led to a drop in world rankings. It was in the Japan Open, 2015, that Kashyap set a world record by hitting a crackling smash that clocked 401kmph. The 31-year-old defeated Kidambi Srikanth on his way to the quarterfinals before falling to Chou Tein-Chen in the next round. Interestingly, Lin Dan produced a smash of the same speed in the same tournament.
This was the last tournament when Kashyap was at the peak of his career before failing to multiple injuries. During his peak, Kashyap became the first Indian men’s singles badminton player to reach the quarterfinals of Olympics in the 2012 London Olympic Games. He also won the gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. He is currently ranked World no. 26.
#4- Victor Axelsen- 404 kmph
At a very young age of 23, Victor Axelson earned himself with a 2016 Olympic Bronze medal and 2017 World Championship medal. Axelson is popular for his quick movement, unpredictable half smashes, and trick shots. Ohh yes, not to forget his powerful smashes. Well, one such powerful smash was hit at the 2015 Japan Open, where the Dane produced a 404 kmph thundering smash that left everyone stunned.
Though he lost in the finals, he achieved his career best smash.
#3- Jan O Jorgenson -407 kmph
31 year old, Jan O Jorgenson is considered to be one of the most successful badminton players from Denmark. In recent year, he lost his rythm but has something to be proud of. It was in 2016 at the semifinals of the Malaysian Open Superseries permier that he executed a crackling smash against Lee Chong Wei which clocked 407 kmph and therefore, it is recorded as the third fastest smash in badminton history. However, he lost the nail biting match to Lee Chong Wei.
#2- Lee Chong Wei -408 kmph
The three-time Olympic and World Championship silver medallist, Lee Chong Wei is always a treat to watch for worldwide badminton fans. In 2014, he was convicted of doping charges and was banned to play for eight months. To know more about his ban, click here. However, he made a powerful comeback in 2015 at the Hong Kong Open. Due to his ban, he suffered a drop in his ranking and was unseeded at the tournament. The 34-year-old proved himself by winning the tournament. In the process, he executed a whopping smash that clocked at the rate of 408 kmph, the second-fastest smash in the World.
Well, not satisfied with this record, Lee broke his record by hitting a smash clocking at 417 km/hr at the Japan Open 2017.
#1 Mads Peter Holding – 426 kmph
All the above records have been created by men’s singles players. Well, Kolding is the only doubles player in the top 5 and is one of the tallest badminton players with a height of 6 feet and 8 inches. A doubles match in badminton is defined with quick rallies and heavy smashes. Therefore, it no surprise that a doubles player tops the list of the World’s fastest smash.
In the 2017 version of the Premier Badminton League, Kolding represented the Chennai Smashers team. In a match against Mumbai Rockets, Kolding hit a massive smash that clocked at the rate of 426 kmph to end the 40 shot rally. However, the PBL is not a BWF recognized tournament so the record may not be available it its official books.
Final Thoughts
These are the five fastest smashes executed in the history of badminton.
I hope you enjoyed the article.
Thanks for reading. Keep playing.