Loh Kean Yew is a prominent Singaporean badminton player who gained international recognition after winning the men’s singles title at the 2021 BWF World Championships, becoming the first Singaporean to achieve this prestigious honor.

His journey began in Penang, where his talent caught the attention of the Singapore Sports School, leading to a scholarship. Loh debuted internationally for Singapore at the 2015 SEA Games and became a citizen the same year. He has since represented Singapore in various competitions, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, showcasing his dedication and skill on the global stage.

Early Life and Education of Loh Kean Yew

Loh Kean Yew was born on June 26, 1997, in Penang, Malaysia, as the youngest of four brothers. He began playing badminton at four, initially stepping away at seven due to feeling overlooked by older players, but returned at nine and quickly joined the Penang state team. Encouraged by his mother, he trained intensively and won the 2009 National Junior Grand Prix Finals. Loh moved to Singapore at 13 to attend the Singapore Sports School, where he excelled under the guidance of former national player Kelvin Ho.

After graduating, Loh studied Sports and Leisure Management at Republic Polytechnic but chose to focus on badminton full-time, officially becoming a Singaporean citizen in 2015. Despite initial concerns from his family about his decision to drop out of school, they ultimately supported his ambition to pursue a professional career in badminton, recognizing his determination and maturity.

Personal Information:

• Full Name: Loh Kean Yew
• Birthdate: June 26, 1997 (age 27)
• Birthplace: Penang, Malaysia
• Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
• Weight: 68 kg (150 lb)
• Handedness: Right
• Coach: Kelvin Ho

Career Highlights

• 2012–2013: Senior Circuit Exposure
  • Loh began his professional career at 15, participating in the 2012 Chinese Taipei Open.
  • In 2013, he entered eight tournaments, achieving his best results by reaching the second round in the Malaysia and Indonesia Masters.
• 2014–2020: International Success
  • Loh won the 2014 Singapore International Series, and at 17, earned a SEA Games bronze in men’s singles.
  • After serving National Service (2016-2018), he continued to excel, winning titles at the Singapore and Malaysia International tournaments in 2017 and securing a silver medal in men’s singles at the 2019 SEA Games.
• 2021: World Champion
  • Loh qualified for the 2020 Olympics, becoming the flag bearer for Singapore. He was eliminated in the group stage.
  • He trained intensively with top players and won the 2021 BWF World Championships, becoming Singapore’s first men’s singles world champion.
• 2022: Commonwealth Games and Team Success
  • Loh contributed to Singapore’s bronze at the Badminton Asia Team Championships and won a bronze medal in the Mixed Team event at the Commonwealth Games.
  • He faced setbacks in individual tournaments but rose to a career-high ranking of 5th.
• 2023: Asian Championships Silver and Korea Open Final
  • Loh reached the finals of the Asian Championships and Korea Open, securing a silver and finishing as runner-up, respectively.
• 2024: Title Comeback and Olympic Performance
  • Ended a 833-day title drought by winning the 2024 Spain Masters.
  • At the 2024 Olympics, he advanced to the quarterfinals, marking a significant achievement for Singaporean badminton, but lost to eventual gold medalist Viktor Axelsen.

Medal Achievements

• World Championships
  • Gold medal in Men’s Singles (2021, Huelva)
• Commonwealth Games
  • Bronze medal in Mixed Team (2022, Birmingham)
• Asian Championships
  • Silver medal in Men’s Singles (2023, Dubai)
• Asia Team Championships
  • Bronze medal in Men’s Team (2022, Selangor)
• SEA Games
  • Silver medal in Men’s Singles (2019, Philippines)
  • Silver medal in Men’s Singles (2021, Vietnam)
  • Multiple Bronze medals in Men’s Singles and Team events (2015–2023)

Personal Life

Loh’s initials, LKY, are often noted by Singaporeans for their resemblance to those of Lee Kuan Yew, the country’s first prime minister and founding father. In a light-hearted response during an interview, Loh remarked, “My name not I choose one. I think it’s just a coincidence. Just nice!”

In 2022, Loh proposed to his girlfriend at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, and they officially registered their marriage in 2023. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in July 2024.

Conclusion

Loh Kean Yew’s journey from a young badminton enthusiast in Penang to Singapore’s first men’s singles world champion showcases his dedication and talent. His impressive career features numerous achievements in prestigious tournaments. Off the court, Loh values family and meaningful connections. As he continues to compete at high levels, he remains an inspiring figure in badminton and a source of pride for Singapore.