Only three teams – China, Korea and Japan – have won the Uber Cup since 1998. As the 30th edition of the Uber Cup comes around (27 Apri-5 May 2024), it’s hard to look beyond these three teams for potential winners. Should a winning team emerge outside of the big three, it will mark a historic occasion for badminton.

The last Uber Cup saw a dramatic final in which an unheralded Korean team upstaged China. Given that the Koreans continue to be dependent on their first singles (An Se Young) and two doubles, with their second and third singles still vulnerable, it will be something of a surprise if they defend the title, which would make them the only team apart from China in 28 years to accomplish that feat.

On the other hand, China seem to have greater solidity this time, particularly with Chen Qing Chen/Jia Yi Fan acquiring an air of invincibility, and young pair Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning rising up the ranks quickly. With Chen Yu Fei, He Bing Jiao, Han Yue and Wang Zhi Yi in singles, the Chinese will be confident of annexing the trophy on home soil.

Japan, in Group C with Indonesia, Hong Kong China and Uganda, can also bank on a strong team with Akane Yamaguchi, Aya Ohori, Nozomi Okuhara, and depth in doubles. One point of interest could be the fielding of teen sensation Tomoka Miyazaki.

The Challengers

Outside the big three, Thailand appear to be the team to beat. With Pornpawee Chochuwong returning from injury to back Ratchanok Intanon and Supanida Katethong, Thailand will look for a repeat of 2018, when they made the final.

India, winners of the Badminton Asia Team Championships, are without most of their best players like Pusarla V Sindhu, Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto even as they are in a challenging group with China, Canada and Singapore. The Indians have fielded a young squad, and there will be much curiosity around Indian prodigy Anmol Kharb, who was the standout player of India’s winning campaign at the team continental championships.

Promising Pan Am

USA, winners of the first three editions of the trophy (1957-1960) have since then fallen on lean times. However, the rise of some fresh talent can galvanise the team in Group D, which they share with Korea, Denmark and Mexico.

Canada, in Group A with China, India and Singapore, will eye a second-placed finish. With an in-form Michelle Li, Wen Yu Zhang and Rachel Chan in singles, and Catherine Choi/Josephine Wu and a few other doubles combinations to choose from, Canada could pose a problem or two for higher-rated teams.