Chou Tien Chen has added another remarkable chapter to his badminton career by reaching the semifinals of the 2026 BWF World Championships in New Delhi at the age of 36. The Chinese Taipei veteran defeated 21 year old Indonesian Alwi Farhan 21 15, 21 15 in the quarterfinals to guarantee himself another World Championships medal.
The achievement has placed Chou in the record books. He has become the oldest men’s singles medallist in the history of the World Championships. His latest medal is also his second at the tournament, following his bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships.
Chou’s achievement is particularly notable because men’s singles badminton is one of the most physically demanding disciplines in the sport. Players must repeatedly cover the court at high speed, sustain long rallies and recover quickly between points and matches. Maintaining that level of performance into the mid thirties is a major challenge.
A crucial part of Chou’s long career has been his support team, including physiotherapist Victoria Kao. Kao has worked closely with the Taiwanese player and has been a regular presence in his corner during tournaments. The Badminton World Federation has previously highlighted the close working relationship between the two.
Kao has described Chou’s ability to continue competing at the highest level as a miracle. Her role extends beyond simply helping him recover from physical problems. She also provides support during tournaments and helps Chou manage the demands associated with playing multiple matches at an elite level.
Chou’s recent run in New Delhi has further demonstrated the value of that long term partnership. Against Farhan, who is 15 years younger, Chou produced a composed performance and won both games 21 15. The victory secured his place in the last four and guaranteed another medal.
The result came during a remarkable period in Chou’s career. Earlier in 2026, he won the China Open, becoming the oldest men’s singles champion of that tournament at the age of 36. He defeated France’s Toma Junior Popov in the final to claim his first Super 1000 title since his 2019 Indonesia Open victory.
His performances have challenged the assumption that badminton players must decline sharply once they move beyond their early thirties. Chou continues to compete successfully against much younger opponents, relying on experience, movement, fitness and tactical awareness.
His consistency is even more striking given the physical challenges he has faced during his career. Chou was diagnosed with early stage colorectal cancer in 2023 and subsequently returned to elite competition. His continued success has therefore been viewed as an example of resilience and determination.
Kao has also played an important emotional role within Chou’s team. She has described herself as an assistant rather than a coach and has focused on offering encouragement when the player faces difficult moments. Her support has included reminding him to rest, relax and enjoy competing.
That approach has become an important part of Chou’s philosophy. Rather than focusing solely on results, the veteran player has spoken about enjoying the sport and maintaining a positive mindset.
His latest World Championships campaign is another example of that philosophy in action. Chou entered the tournament as an experienced player surrounded by younger competitors, but his performances have shown that experience can remain a significant advantage at the highest level.
The New Delhi tournament has also created a special atmosphere around his campaign. With the World Championships being staged in India, badminton fans have been able to witness one of the sport’s most experienced active players continue his pursuit of another major medal.
Chou’s semifinal appearance also places him among the leading stories of the tournament. His opponent in the last four will be Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, setting up another demanding contest for the 36 year old.
Regardless of the semifinal result, Chou has already secured his place in World Championships history. His latest medal confirms his status as the oldest men’s singles medallist in the tournament’s history.
The achievement is not simply about age. It reflects the combination of professional preparation, physical management, experience and mental resilience required to remain competitive at the highest level for such a long period.
Victoria Kao’s contribution has also become an important part of the story. Her continued presence alongside Chou demonstrates how elite athletes often depend on a wider support network beyond their coaches and teammates.
For Chou, the journey continues. At 36, he is still competing against players many years younger and still challenging for major titles. His China Open triumph earlier this year and his World Championships medal in New Delhi have shown that his career remains far from finished.
His story also offers an important lesson about longevity in professional sport. Success at an advanced stage of a sporting career requires careful physical preparation, recovery, discipline and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Chou’s partnership with Victoria Kao has become a visible example of that process. While the player remains responsible for his performances on court, the support provided away from competition can be equally important in helping an athlete sustain a demanding career.
The 2026 World Championships have therefore become another landmark in Chou Tien Chen’s extraordinary career. By reaching the semifinals at 36, he has already secured another medal and established a new age record for men’s singles at the tournament.
His next challenge will be the semifinal, where he will continue his pursuit of a place in the final. Whatever happens next, his performance in New Delhi has already reinforced his reputation as one of badminton’s most enduring competitors.