Garret Tan Upsets Lakshya Sen at 2026 BWF World Championships with Support from Female Coaches

In a remarkable upset at the ongoing badminton World Championships in Delhi, 18-year-old Garret Tan triumphed over India’s local hero Lakshya Sen, signaling a significant milestone in his young career. Unique to this match was the presence of two women in his coaching corner, a rarity in men’s singles badminton at the highest level.

Tan’s childhood coach, Paula Lynn Cao Hok, 41, an Olympian and current manager of the USA badminton team, and Lauren Lam, 23, a doubles player who remained in Delhi after her recent loss to India’s Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly, provided strategic support during the match. Their tactical insights played a crucial role in Tan’s victory against Sen, who is the top player in India.

After the match, both women joined Tan on the court in an emotional celebration. They expressed their deep affection for him, referring to Tan as a son and sibling figure, and emphasized the familial bond that made the victory even more special. Tan’s mother was also present, actively involved in his badminton journey.

Following the victory, Lam shared her admiration for Tan’s character, stating, “He’s super hard working, god-fearing Christian and very dedicated to the sport. He actually inspires me as an athlete too. Seeing my little brother working hard like that pushes me as well. So we push each other.”

Paula Lynn’s presence in Tan’s corner was serendipitous, aligning with her role as team manager for a smaller USA contingent at the Championships. She highlighted her confidence in Tan’s abilities, calling him a curious player eager to learn, and noted that she would departs the following morning before his next significant match against second-seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn.

The duo developed a strategy that capitalized on Sen’s weaknesses. “We noticed,” Paula remarked, “Lakshya is very good at the front court and was putting a lot of pressure. That’s why we wanted to keep him away and also slow down the pace of the game.” This tactical approach clearly paid off, providing important insight into the dynamics of the match.

While there are female coaches within the badminton circuit, they are notably sparse, particularly in men’s singles. Among the few recognized figures is Victoria Kao, the physio for veteran Chou Tien Chen. Tan’s match not only spotlighted the success of a young athlete but also marked a significant moment for women in coaching roles on the international stage.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn