The Marathon Battle: Longest Badminton Match in History

Badminton, renowned for its brisk pace and thrilling rallies, bore witness to an unparalleled spectacle on April 30, 2016, during the Badminton Asian Championships in Wuhan, China. 

The women's doubles semi-final, featuring Japan's dynamic duo Kurumi Yonao and Naoko Fukuman against Indonesia's formidable pair Greysia Polii and Nitya Krishinda Maheswari, unfolded into an astonishing 161-minute battle. This record-setting marathon not only mesmerized the audience but also held immense significance for Yonao and Fukuman, who were fervently vying for a coveted spot in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

As the Asian championships progressed, Yonao and Fukuman confronted a daunting challenge, trailing behind the South Korean duo, Chang Ye Na and Lee So Hee, in the Race to Rio Rankings. Their equation for Olympic qualification was clear – secure a victory in the tournament and hope for their Korean counterparts' defeat in the opposing semi-final. 

The plot thickened when fellow Japanese players, Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi, achieved the improbable by defeating the Koreans, providing a glimmer of opportunity for Yonao and Fukuman. 

The semi-final unfolded with Polii and Maheswari asserting dominance in the first game, clinching a commanding 21-13 victory. Undeterred, Yonao and Fukuman displayed unwavering determination in the second game, engaging in intense rallies and securing a hard-fought 21-19 win. The stage was now set for a gripping decider, a testament to the unfolding drama that transcended the typical duration of a badminton match. 

The third game evolved into a true test of endurance, as both teams steadfastly refused to concede. The match clock ticked past the two-hour mark, with each point carrying the weight of Olympic dreams. In a fitting climax, the Japanese duo emerged victorious with a nail-biting 24-22 scoreline. 

Exhausted and emotionally charged, Fukuman expressed gratitude for the unwavering support, underscoring the collective effort of the Japanese team. Enduring an astonishing 2 hours and 41 minutes, the Yonao/Fukuman vs. Polii/Maheshwari clash at the Badminton Asian Championships etched its name in history as the longest badminton match to date. 

Surpassing the previous record by an impressive 37 minutes, this marathon encounter showcased not only the physical resilience but also the mental fortitude of the players involved. While Yonao and Fukuman fell short of Olympic qualification, their remarkable journey left an indelible mark on the annals of badminton history. 

Delving into the nuances of the match, it's evident that every point played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of this historic encounter. Polii and Maheswari's initial dominance underscored their prowess, but Yonao and Fukuman's tenacity in the second game showcased their determination to flip the script. The decider, lasting over an hour, unfolded as a true battle of attrition, with each point contested fiercely, highlighting the mental and physical toll on the players. 

The 2016 marathon surpassed the previous record held by the 1997 IBF World Championships men’s singles final between Denmark’s Peter Rasmussen and China’s Sun Jun. Rasmussen's triumph in a two-hour and four-minute battle had been considered the longest match before Yonao/Fukuman and Polii/Maheshwari broke the record. Notably, Rasmussen vs. Jun is still hailed as the longest singles match in badminton history.

The Badminton Asian Championships women's doubles semi-final of 2016 stands as an epitome of endurance, determination, and sportsmanship. Lasting an astonishing 2 hours and 41 minutes, this historic clash not only broke records but etched the names of Yonao, Fukuman, Polii, and Maheswari in the annals of badminton history. 

While Olympic qualification eluded the Japanese pair, their remarkable journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us that some battles, fought on the badminton court, transcend the ordinary and become immortalized as tales of resilience and indomitable spirit.

Cover Credit - BWF Official