World Juniors: Mady Sow Stays on Track

For a fair part of his third round match at the VICTOR BWF World Junior Championships 2026, Mady Sow looked vulnerable.

The European junior champion, who has been among the most talked-about emerging players over the past two years, flirted with danger before recovering to keep himself in the contest against Japan’s Daiki Masuda.

“First of all, I was shocked because I didn’t expect to lose the first game,” the top seed said, after completing the 12-15 15-11 15-11 win. “He played very well. So for me, my goal was to play 100 per cent every point.

“It was really hard for me to play today. I was scared I would lose. For the moment, it’s really good for me. And I would like to continue.”

Sow is in his second World Junior Championships, and this time he comes as the favourite in men’s singles. Just 16, the left-hander cuts a distinct figure as he stands 190cm, giving him potent attacking ability.

“I’m very happy to be here and to play a second time at the World Juniors,” Sow said. “I’m the top seed. It’s a good challenge for me to improve my level and to show something about me and about my game. I hope I get a medal. It could be great for me and for the French team too. So I will do my best.”

Sow arrives in Cairo having won the European Junior title and the Badminton Europe Young Player of the Year award.

“It’s not the same level as the World Juniors, it’s quite different. But it’s also a good tournament with a lot of challenges. That’s why it’s good for me to play in these kind of tournaments,” Sow says.

France has had a dream year, winning silver at the Thomas Cup and two gold medals at the World Championships. Now he has the opportunity to add a World Junior medal to the tally.

“To see all these players win some medals, it’s pushed me to level up and to train a lot everyday. It’s motivation. I’m very happy for Alex (Lanier), it’s good for him and for the French team too. It pushes all the young players to do the same.”