From the Guinness-tracked lab records to on-court competition highlights, these fastest smashes badminton moments define speed and precision. Whether you’re a die-hard badminton fan or a coach looking for power-training inspiration, these smashes set the bar for what’s possible—and sometimes, unbelievable.
Few elements in badminton captivate fans more than the explosive “power smash.” These electrifying volleys, propelled at jaw-dropping speeds, spotlight the raw athleticism and technique of elite shuttlers. In this post, we bring you the Top 10 Fastest Smashes Badminton has ever seen—showcasing record-breaking players and the heart-pounding moments when a shuttlebird becomes a flash.
Top 10 Players with the Fastest Smashes in Badminton
10. Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand) – 419 km/h (2023)
Thai rising star Kunlavut Vitidsarn clocked 419 km/h at the 2023 Singapore Open—one of the fastest smashes badminton has witnessed in singles competition.
This incredible shot showcased a blend of youthful speed and tactical intelligence on a premier international stage.
Vitidsarn’s smash reflects the growing power and precision in emerging badminton nations, contributing to the global evolution of the fastest smashes badminton has recorded.
9. Prannoy HS (India) – 428 km/h (2023)
In the Japan Open 2023 quarter-final against Viktor Axelsen, Prannoy HS stunned the field with a 428 km/h smash—one of the fastest smashes badminton has ever seen in official match play.
Delivering this explosive shot under high-pressure conditions elevated his status as one of Asia’s boldest power hitters.
His performance signals a new generation rising in raw power and precision, further enriching the list of the fastest smashes badminton continues to record.
8. Lin Dan – 401 km/h (2015)
Lin Dan, widely regarded as one of the greatest shuttlers of all time, also delivered one of the fastest smashes badminton has witnessed—clocked at 401 km/h during a top-tier international tournament.
His ability to generate immense power while maintaining impeccable control set him apart in high-stakes matches across his legendary career.
This particular smash reflected not just speed, but Lin Dan’s signature blend of aggression and finesse—qualities that earned him two Olympic golds and five World Championships.
Even in the later years of his career, he remained a formidable force, using tactical mastery to complement his raw explosiveness.
Among the most iconic contributors to the fastest smashes badminton has seen, Lin Dan’s legacy extends beyond records—his smashes symbolized confidence, precision, and complete command over the game.
7. Parupalli Kashyap (India) – 401 km/h (2015)
Indian singles specialist Parupalli Kashyap smashed 401 km/h at the 2015 Japan Open—placing him among the fastest smashes badminton has officially recorded.
This blistering shot ranks as a top-five world record and showcased his ability to generate elite-level power under tournament pressure.
Known for his explosive baseline play and relentless work ethic, Kashyap used this performance to reach the quarterfinals and elevate India’s global presence in men’s singles.
His smashing power and agility earned him respect across circuits traditionally dominated by East Asian athletes.
To date, he remains the only Indian singles player to feature in the top five of the fastest smashes badminton list, marking a significant milestone in India’s badminton evolution.
6. Viktor Axelsen (Denmark) – 404 km/h (2015)
At the 2015 Japan Open, Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen—a future Olympic medalist—struck a 404 km/h smash, the fourth-fastest recorded.
At only 23, this power statement hinted at his future dominance in the sport.
Axelsen has since refined both pace and tournament success.
5. Jan Ø. Jørgensen (Denmark) – 407 km/h (2016)
Danish star Jan Ø. Jørgensen smashed 407 km/h during the 2016 Malaysia Open semifinal.
He used this fierce strike against Lee Chong Wei, showcasing the rising European challenge.
His smash remains one of the fastest legally recorded hits under BWF conditions.
4. Competition record – Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia) – 408–417 km/h
Malaysia’s icon Lee Chong Wei recorded multiple 408 km/h smashes, including a 2015 Hong Kong Open record confirmed by Hawk‑Eye and Guinness.
In 2017, he reportedly hit peaks of 417 km/h at the Japan Open.
His explosive jump smashes set an era benchmark for power in singles competition.
3. Power man – Mads Pieler Kolding (Denmark) – 426 km/h (2017)
Danish doubles specialist Mads Pieler Kolding unleashed a 426 km/h smash during the 2017 Premier Badminton League—an unofficial but staggering benchmark.
Standing 6′8″, he used his height and reach to generate incredible racket head speed and participation in PBL finals.
Though not BWF-validated, Kolding’s smash remains one of history’s most talked-about power plays.
2. Match record – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy – 500 km/h (2023 Korea Open)
Rankireddy also holds the fastest smash in competition—500 km/h—in the Korea Open doubles quarter-final in 2023.
This on-court strike wasn’t just a spectacle—it clinched the rally and stunned both spectators and opponents.
It redefines expectations for power shots, with over half a kilometre in speed happening under match pressure.
1. Focus key smashes – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy (India) – 565 km/h (lab)
Indian doubles ace Satwiksairaj Rankireddy set the fastest badminton smash on record—565 km/h—during a verified Yonex lab session in April 2023.
This smash shattered the previous Guinness record of 493 km/h (Tan Boon Heong, 2013) and confirmed India’s leap in badminton power play.
While not in a match, this feat underscores the extreme upper limits of badminton smash speed and blazes a path for future smashers.
FAQ’s
Q: Who holds the fastest smash ever recorded?
A: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy recorded 565 km/h in a Yonex lab in April 2023—a Guinness World Record
Q: What is the fastest smash in a sanctioned match?
A: Rankireddy also owns the fastest smash in competition at 500 km/h (2023 Korea Open)
Q: Are smashes over 400 km/h common?
A: Top athletes like Lee Chong Wei, Jørgensen, Axelsen, and Kashyap have recorded speeds between 401–417 km/h under official BWF conditions
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