Defending champion Viktor Axelsen believes it is “impossible” to pick a favourite from a wide-open men’s singles field at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Axelsen overcame multiple injuries in the past year and lost his No.1 world ranking in June to Shi Yu Qi after more than two years at the top, but the 30-year-old believes he still has the qualities to retain the title he won in Tokyo three years ago.

“Winning gold again would be a dream and I will do everything I can to make it happen,” he said. “However, men’s singles is so strong and it’s impossible to name one or even a few players who’d be the main competitors. So many players will be ready, myself included.

“I can be very proud of my current situation. Being able to spend time with family has helped keep my thoughts away from the frustration of injuries. I’m confident in my physical abilities and my game has been improving over the last four or five weeks. I’m in a good spot.”

Axelsen is seeded second behind Shi, who is enjoying the season of his life, winning four HSBC BWF World Tour titles since the turn of the year.

Behind those two are a line of players harbouring realistic hopes of gold.

No.3 seed Jonatan Christie won the prestigious All England in March, while compatriot Anthony Sinisuka Ginting will try to emulate the achievements of Chen Long in 2016 and Axelsen in following an Olympic bronze with gold at the next attempt.

Among the rest, Anders Antonsen won his first Super 1000 title in January, comprehensively beating Shi in the final, while Kunlavut Vitidsarn rides into Paris on the wave of his breakout win at the 2023 World Championships.

Badminton action starts today at Porte de la Chapelle Arena.

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