In Focus: South Korea's Rising Badminton Sensation Baek Ha-Na

Baek Ha-Na is rapidly emerging as one of South Korea's most promising badminton talents, catching the attention of fans and experts alike with her exceptional skills on the court.

Born in 2000, this young athlete has already made significant strides in the competitive world of international badminton. Her performances in various tournaments, including her success at the junior level, have marked her as a rising star to watch in the coming years.

Career Profile:

1. Women's Doubles World Rank: 2
2. Women's Doubles World Tour Rank: 6
3. Gold Medal at the 2024 Asian Championships (Women’s Doubles)
4. Silver medal Winner at the 2022 Asian Games in Women’s Doubles Category.
5. Gold Medal at the 2022 Asian Games in the Women’s Team Tournament.
6. Winner of the 2017 World Junior Championships and Asian Junior Championships in Girls’ Doubles.

Personal Information:

1. Birth Date: 22nd September 2000 (Age:23 as of 30th July 2024)
2. Country: South Korea
3. Height: 1.64m (5 ft. 5 inches)
4. Handedness: Right
5. Racket: Yonex Astrox 88S Pro
6. String: Yonex Aerobite
7. Partner: Lee So Hee
8. Coach: Kim Hak-Kyun (Korea)

Let's look at what Laurels Baek brought to her country in 2024!

Baek Ha-Na has had a strong year winning several important titles and performing strong in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

1. Paris 2024 Olympic Games Badminton Competition (Paris, France):

Along with her partner Lee So Hee, Baek Ha-Na reached the quarter-finals of the Paris Olympics women's doubles category. The matches are progressing and her fans hope she brings home the gold for her country.

2. Kapal API Indonesia Open 2024 (Jakarta, Indonesia):

Baek and Lee won the Indonesia Open convincingly by defeating their Chinese counterparts in straight sets of 21-17 and 21-13.

3. Bank Of Ningbo Badminton Asia Championships 2024 (Ningbo, China):

She won the Asia Championships with Lee So Hee after a nail-biting game with the Chinese women's doubles team. The win is special because this is the first medal in the women’s doubles category that South Korea has won in 19 years.

4. Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships 2024 (Birmingham, England):

Baek and Lee won the championships on 17th March after defeating the Japanese team in a grueling match that lasted for 1:30 minutes.

5. Yonex French Open (Paris, France):

In March 2024, Baek Ha-Na's team reached the quarter-final of the French Open but their dream run ended after a loss against Nami Matsuyama And Chiharu Shida.

6. Yonex Sunrise India Open 2024 (New Delhi, India):

Baek Ha-Na and Lee So Hee were placed third on the podium at the India Open.

7. Petronas Malaysia Open 2024 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia):

She lost the semifinal to the Chinese women’s doubles team in a match that lasted 0:45 minutes.

2022 Asian Games ( Hangzhou, China):

Held in 2023 at Binjiang Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China, the 2022 Asian Games became a memorable time for Baek Ha-Na. She was part of the women’s team that won the gold. She also secured the silver medal with her partner Lee So Hee in the women's doubles category.

The Potential to Become the Queen of Badminton!

Born in September of 2000, Baek Ha-Na started playing badminton at 9 when her brother encouraged her to take up the sport. Her rise to fame was quick and yet expected because of her exceptional skills and enduring dedication to badminton. She became a part of the national team in 2017 and won the Asian Junior Championships with her then-partner Lee Yu-Rim. She also won the gold in the same tournament in the mixed team category.

Another laurel for her women’s doubles team came when she reached the final of the 2017 Macau Open, making her debut memorable and noticeable to global badminton enthusiasts. The same year, she won the gold at the World Junior Championships in the girls' doubles category.

In 2018, she was part of the women’s team that won the bronze medals at the Asia Team Championships and the Uber Cup in Bangkok. After Covid disrupted the games, she was back at winning more tournaments in 2022. Her women’s team won the 2022 Uber Cup. They also secured a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games. Her women's team won a silver at the 2022 Asia Team Championships.

Along with her partner Lee So Hee, Baek Ha-Na won the silver medal at the 2022 Asian Games.

Baek Ha-Na was part of the mixed team that won a silver medal at the 2023 Sudirman Cup and the 2023 Asia Mixed Team Championships. She and Lee So Hee won a silver medal at the 2023 Asia Championships held in Dubai. She returned the next year to win the gold at the 2024 Asia Championships.

What is the Playing Style of Baek Ha-Na?

Ha-Na is a versatile player with a penchant for quick responses and strategy play. This young and petite player has the power to overwhelm her opponents and create fast openings for her partner to play an attacking game. She is known for her quick footwork and excellent court coverage. Her repertoire includes powerful smashes that can catch opponents off guard and deceptive drop shots that showcase her finesse. She demonstrates exceptional teamwork and communication skills, often complementing her partner's strengths effectively.

One of Baek's standout qualities is her mental fortitude; she remains composed under pressure and turns challenging situations into opportunities. As she refines her techniques and gains experience at the highest levels of competition, Baek Ha-Na's adaptable and dynamic playing style positions her as a rising force in badminton.

What Badminton Equipment does Baek Ha-Na use?

The South Korean doubles badminton specialist loves a racket that enhances her speed and gives her shot incredible power without weighing her down. She uses the third-generation Yonex Astrox 88S Pro for more offensive power, thus, breaking down her opponent's defense strategy.

The 2024 edition of the Astrox 88S Pro allows her to make powerful shots with intense precision and lightning-fast responsiveness which is the need for a doubles game. With an expanded sweet spot, quicker flex, and comfortable weight distributions throughout the racket, it becomes easier for her to secure quick points for the team.

If you are an advanced player who wants an affordable option, try the Yonex Astrox 88S Tour racket. The company has also introduced the Astrox 88S Game for intermediate players. Entry-level doubles players can use the Yonex Astrox 88 Play to learn more skills and elevate their play.

Baek Ha-Na prefers the Yonex Aerobite badminton string for its hybrid features. The multifilament string delivers control and quick repulsion for more power to your shots without compromising precision and accuracy.

Skills and Dedication: A Recipe for Success!

Baek Ha-Na's rapid ascent on the podium is a testament to her exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and strategic prowess on the court. At just 23 years old, she has already left an indelible mark on the sport, particularly in women's doubles. She is on the path to becoming a dominant force in badminton for years to come.

Looking ahead, the badminton world eagerly anticipates Baek's future accomplishments. With her upward trajectory, she is poised to continue her journey to success and inspire a new generation of players. As she strives for even greater heights, Baek Ha-Na's story reminds us that with passion, hard work, and the right support, extraordinary achievements are within reach, regardless of age or background.