In the world of racket sports, badminton stands out as the fastest of them all. While a tennis serve may be clocked at breathtaking speeds, the badminton smash leaves it far behind in terms of velocity. A perfectly timed and executed badminton smash can not only win points but also break records. With shuttle speeds crossing the 500 km/h mark, badminton players have redefined the boundaries of speed and precision.
Smashes in badminton are not just about brute force; they are the perfect blend of agility, wrist action, timing, and explosiveness. In recent years, players have consistently raised the bar with speeds once unimaginable. Let’s break down the five fastest smashes ever recorded in competitive matches and celebrate the extraordinary athletes behind them.
1) Satwiksairaj Rankireddy (IND) - 500 km/h (311 mph)
At the very top of the list is Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, who created history by delivering the fastest smash ever recorded during open play. In the Men’s Doubles Quarterfinals at the 2023 Korea Open, held at Jinnam Stadium in Yeosu, Rankireddy unleashed a monstrous smash that clocked in at 500 km/h.
This blistering strike came during a rally against Japan’s Hoki and Kobay when the Indian duo led 12-6 in the first game. Rankireddy, playing alongside his partner Chirag Shetty, powered his way to not only win the match 21-14, 21-17 but also take home the Korea Open title. They defeated Indonesia’s Alfian and Ardianto in the final after a thrilling three-setter.
Notably, Rankireddy also holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest badminton smash ever, measured at an astonishing 565 km/h during a controlled test event. His competitive smash, however, remains unmatched in live gameplay.
2) Prannoy H.S. (IND) - 428 km/h (266 mph)
Coming in second is another Indian star, Prannoy H.S., who delivered a 428 km/h missile during the Men’s Singles Quarterfinals at the 2023 Japan Open. The shot was fired against world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen at a critical point in the first game when Prannoy trailed 13-17. The smash proved pivotal as he won the next few points and claimed the set 21-19.
Although Prannoy eventually lost the match in three sets, his explosive shot turned heads and temporarily held the record for the fastest competitive smash until Rankireddy’s 500 km/h rocket a week later. It also reaffirmed India’s dominance in generating smash power on the world stage.
3) Mads Pieler Kolding (DEN) - 426 km/h (265 mph)
The third spot belongs to Denmark’s Mads Pieler Kolding, who clocked 426 km/h during a Premier Badminton League match in 2017. Representing Chennai Smashers alongside Chris Adcock, Kolding delivered this high-octane smash against Ivanov and Sozonov of the Delhi Acers.
Standing at 2.05 meters (6 ft 9 in), Kolding used his towering frame and impeccable technique to generate unmatched power. A former World No. 4 in men’s doubles, Kolding was also part of the Danish team that won the Thomas Cup in 2016 and secured the European Championship the same year. His record remained untouched for several years before the next generation took over.
4) Lakshya Sen (IND) - 420 km/h (261 mph)
At number four, we have Lakshya Sen, another prominent Indian shuttler who recorded a 420 km/h smash during the final of the 2023 Canada Open. Facing China’s Li Shifeng, Sen unleashed a brutal cross-court winner at 6-5 in the opening game of the match.
That smash set the tone as Sen powered through to win the title in straight games, 21-18, 22-20. It was his fourth BWF World Tour title and his only one in 2023. Sen, a 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, has firmly established himself among the sport’s fastest hitters.
5) Kunlavut Vitidsarn (THA) - 419 km/h (260 mph)
Closing out the top five is Thai sensation Kunlavut Vitidsarn, who produced a thunderous 419 km/h smash during a Round of 32 clash against Wang Tzu Wei at the 2023 Singapore Open. What made this smash truly legendary was the context in which it came at 26-26 in the third game, helping Vitidsarn edge ahead in a nail-biting contest.
Vitidsarn, who won gold at the 2023 World Championships, used the momentum to win the match 28-26 before retiring due to injury in the semifinals. His precision under pressure and exceptional timing were on full display during that rally-ending smash.
While speed captures the headlines, what truly makes these smashes memorable is their tactical importance. Whether it's a morale-boosting point, a set-winning blow, or a momentum shifter, each smash carries weight beyond numbers. Modern training methods, racket technology, and player fitness continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Rackets like the Yonex Duora Z Strike and Nanoflare 1000Z have played a major role in helping players maximise their shot velocity without sacrificing control. Combined with lightning-fast reflexes and top-tier conditioning, today's shuttlers are rewriting history with every thunderous stroke.
From Satwiksairaj Rankireddy’s unmatched 500 km/h missile to Kunlavut Vitidsarn’s game-winning smash, these moments reflect the electrifying pace and skill that define elite-level badminton. The sport has evolved into a high-speed spectacle where every point can become a record-breaking moment.
If you haven’t already, it’s time to witness these smashes in action, watch the replays, follow these incredible athletes, and maybe even pick up a racket yourself. Because in the world of badminton, every swing holds the potential to create history. And who knows? The next fastest smash might just come from you.
Also Read: Top 10 Greatest Badminton Players of All Time | 2025 List
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
