High-Performance

Hangzhou, China (December 15, 2025) — Fresh off a gold medal at the 2025 Yonex Canadian International Challenge, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has awarded Victor Lai the recipient of the Eddy Choong Rising Star of the Year Award, becoming the first Canadian athlete ever to receive this prestigious honour.

 

“I'm truly honoured to win the Eddy Choong Award this year. This award means a lot to me, and it wouldn't be possible without the support of my club, coaches, and my family” Shares Victor, “I hope I can continue to improve and strive for bigger goals!”

 

The Eddy Choong Rising Star of the Year Award recognizes an emerging athlete, 22 years old or younger, who has demonstrated exceptional performance, commitment, and potential on the international stage. Victor’s breakthrough season in 2025 has been marked by strong results in international competition, such as medalling Bronze at the BWF World Championships, and steady progression in the world rankings – currently ranked 22 in Men's Singles in the world. Over the past year Victor has risen over 80 ranking positions as finished first or second in several major tournaments.

 

This achievement places Victor among an elite group of rising stars globally and further highlights Canada’s growing presence on the international badminton stage. Notably, Canada’s Brian Yang was previously nominated for the award in 2021, underscoring the growth trajectory of Canadian athletes on the world stage.

 

“This is an incredible honour for Victor,” shares Mike Butler, Team Canada Head Coach. “This has been quite a year for him. This is like the icing on the cake for all his accomplishments. He has a great future ahead of him and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for such a great player and person. Congratulations, Victor.”

Badminton Canada congratulates Victor Lai on this historic achievement and looks forward to supporting his continued development as he represents Canada on the world stage. Badminton Canada thanks our major supporters of the sport across the country: Yonex and Sport Canada. Their investments support several aspects of the sport from events to National Teams.

 

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For more information or media inquiries please contact:

Bryan R. Merrett

Executive Director

613-518-1501, X2083

bmerrett@badminton.ca

 

About Badminton Canada

With shuttles reaching speeds as high as 565 kph, badminton attracts more than 220 million people worldwide to play the sport weekly, making badminton the second most participated-in sport in the world. Badminton Canada works to grow the game across the country through events, coaching and officials’ development, and developing programs such as Shuttletime. In Canada, over 2 million people picked up a badminton racquet and played our sport. Some play at the cottage, some in the backyard, at school, the local community centre or as part of an organized Badminton Canada competition. Badminton is easily accessible – for any Canadian – at any age – for life!

 

About the Eddy Choong Rising Star Award

The Eddy Choong Rising Star of the Year Award is presented annually and recognizes one individual, an emerging top world talent in badminton (who is under 22 years old). The award reflects promising and improving performances across a 12-month period (1 December of one year to 30 November the next year).