Los Angeles is often associated with Hollywood, beaches, and major league sports, but beneath that spotlight lies a surprisingly deep and competitive badminton culture.
Southern California, and Los Angeles in particular, has long been one of the most important badminton hubs in the United States. With its large Asian-American population, access to elite training facilities, and year-round playing conditions, LA has produced and hosted some of the country’s most accomplished badminton players.
Many have represented the U.S. at national championships, international tournaments, and collegiate competitions, while others have helped elevate the sport locally through coaching and club leadership.
This list highlights ten notable badminton players strongly connected to Los Angeles, either by birth, training, or long-term residence, who have played key roles in shaping the city’s badminton reputation.
1. Tony Gunawan
Although originally from Indonesia, Tony Gunawan has become one of the most influential badminton figures in Los Angeles and the United States as a whole. After winning Olympic gold in men’s doubles in 2000, Gunawan relocated to Southern California and later represented Team USA, even earning a World Championship title with the U.S. in 2005.
Based in the LA area for many years, he founded the Tony Gunawan Badminton Academy, which has trained countless elite American players. His presence alone elevated Los Angeles into a global badminton training destination, making him a cornerstone of the city’s badminton legacy.
Tony Gunawan2. Howard Bach
Howard Bach, another major figure in American badminton history, has strong ties to Los Angeles through training, competition, and coaching. Born in California, Bach became famous for winning the 2005 World Championships in men’s doubles with Tony Gunawan, marking the first-ever world title for the United States.
He spent significant time training and competing in Southern California badminton clubs and later worked as a coach in the region. Bach’s career helped legitimize the U.S. as a competitive badminton nation, and Los Angeles was a major part of his development and professional life.
Howard Bach3. Eva Lee
Eva Lee is one of the most accomplished female badminton players in U.S. history, and Los Angeles played a key role in her career. Known for her dominance in women’s doubles and mixed doubles, Lee won numerous national titles and represented the U.S. at multiple Olympic Games.
She trained extensively in Southern California and competed frequently in LA-based tournaments. Her technical precision, consistency, and longevity made her a role model for young players in Los Angeles, especially women aiming to break into elite badminton.
Eva Lee4. Sattawat Pongnairat
Sattawat Pongnairat, also known as “Nick,” is another internationally recognized player who has been closely associated with Los Angeles badminton. Originally from Thailand, Pongnairat moved to the U.S. and trained in Southern California, where he became one of America’s top men’s singles players.
He represented the United States at the 2016 Olympic Games and won multiple Pan American titles.
Sattawat Pongnairat5. Beiwen Zhang
Beiwen Zhang has spent a significant portion of her professional career training and living in Southern California, making Los Angeles an important base for her success. As one of the top women’s singles players in the U.S., Zhang has won Pan American Championships and represented Team USA at the Olympic Games.
Los Angeles provided her access to high-level sparring partners, coaching, and international-caliber training environments.
Beiwen Zhang6. Phillip Chew
Phillip Chew is a longtime member of Team USA and a familiar name in the Los Angeles badminton scene. Competing primarily in men’s doubles and mixed doubles, Chew has earned medals at Pan American events and national championships.
He trained and competed extensively in LA-area clubs, contributing to the strong doubles culture in the region.
Phillip Chew7. Kerry Xu
Kerry Xu represents a newer generation of elite badminton players who benefited from Southern California’s advanced training infrastructure. While still early in her senior career, Xu has competed in international tournaments for the U.S. and trained extensively in the Los Angeles area.
Kerry Xu8. Akshay Reddy
Akshay Reddy, known primarily for men’s doubles, has strong ties to the Southern California badminton circuit, including Los Angeles. Reddy has represented the U.S. in international competitions and Pan American events, often training and competing in LA-based facilities.
9. Iris Wang
Iris Wang is another elite American player whose training and competitive life has been closely linked to Southern California and Los Angeles. A standout in women’s singles, Wang has earned national titles and represented the U.S. at major international events, including the Olympic Games.
LA’s competitive environment, with frequent high-level tournaments and strong training partners, played a role in shaping her aggressive and confident playing style.
Iris Wang10. Timothy Lam
Timothy Lam rounds out the list as a player deeply embedded in the Los Angeles badminton community. Competing in men’s singles and doubles, Lam has represented the U.S. internationally and has been a regular contender in national-level events.
Timothy LamLos Angeles stands out as a badminton powerhouse in the United States because of its infrastructure and community. The city and surrounding areas host numerous high-quality badminton clubs, including elite academies that attract international coaches and players.
The diverse population ensures exposure to different playing styles, while frequent local and regional tournaments give athletes consistent high-level competition. For many American badminton players, Los Angeles is not just a place to play but a place to build a professional foundation.
