Loh Kean Yew

Loh Kean Yew was born on 26 June 1997 in Penang, Malaysia, as the youngest son of four brothers, to his parents Loh Pin Keat and Grace Gan.{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=David |title=Badminton: 10 things to know about Singapore ace Loh Kean Yew |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-10-things-to-know-about-singapores-loh-kean-yew |access-date=31 December 2021 |work=The Straits Times |date=20 December 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Mohan |first1=Matthew |title=From 'cheeky' child to world champion: Loh Kean Yew's parents proud of their youngest son's meteoric rise |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/loh-kean-yew-badminton-world-championships-winner-family-parents-2391361 |access-date=31 December 2021 |work=CNA |date=20 December 2021}}{{cite web|title=直击家人教练母亲校长老师"铁门羽球"外的骆建佑 |url=http://www.chinapress.com.my/20190121/%E7%9B%B4%E5%87%BB%E5%AE%B6%E4%BA%BA-%E6%95%99%E7%BB%83-%E6%AF%8D%E4%BA%B2-%E6%A0%A1%E9%95%BF-%E8%80%81%E5%B8%88-%E9%93%81%E9%97%A8%E7%BE%BD%E7%90%83%E5%A4%96%E7%9A%84%E9%AA%86/ |website=Lianhe Wanbao |via=China Press |access-date=30 January 2019 |date=21 January 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Wong |first1=Jonathan |last2=Abdul Aziz |first2=Sazali |title=Badminton: From Ang Mo Kio to Penang, Loh Kean Yew's family cheers youngest on at world champs |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-from-ang-mo-kio-to-penang-loh-kean-yews-family-cheers-youngest-on-at-world-champs |access-date=31 December 2021 |work=The Straits Times |date=20 December 2021}} His mother described him as "very cheeky" when he was young and able to talk his way out of trouble. Loh's elder brother, Kean Hean, is also a member of the Singapore national badminton team.{{cite news |title=专访：羽毛球小将骆建佑 |url=https://www.8world.com/sports/loh-kean-yew-394371}}

According to Loh, he began playing badminton at the age of four, at the gate of his house, along with his brothers and his neighbour. He stopped playing the sport at age seven after being looked down on by his seniors, in contrast to media reports which stated that he had been "bullied" as a child.{{Cite web|title=World champion Loh Kean Yew: Training with Viktor Axelsen taught me to be more focused|url=https://olympics.com/en/news/world-champion-loh-kean-yew-training-viktor-axelsen-focus-badminton|access-date=14 January 2022|publisher=International Olympic Committee}} However, he resumed playing badminton at age nine.{{Cite web|last=Osman|first=Shamir|date=15 June 2015|title=Local surprise package Kean Yew already assured of badminton bronze|url=https://tnp.straitstimes.com/sports/team-singapore/local-surprise-package-kean-yew-already-assured-badminton-bronze|access-date=20 December 2021|website=The New Paper|language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Brijnath |first1=Rohit |title=S'pore shuttler Loh Kean Yew, 17, serves notice of intent |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/spore-shuttler-loh-kean-yew-17-serves-notice-of-intent |access-date=2 January 2022 |work=The Straits Times |date=15 June 2015}} Within six months, he progressed to join the Penang state team. Loh briefly trained with the Penang Badminton Association (PBA) until the age of 12, at their badminton academy in Ayer Itam.{{Cite news|title=Singapore's Loh on high as he makes history, wins world title|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2021/12/20/singapore039s-loh-on-high-as-he-makes-history-wins-world-title|access-date=20 December 2021|date=20 December 2021|work=The Star|language=en|last1=Tan|first1=Ming Wai}}{{cite news |last1=Tan |first1=Sin Chow |title=Badminton: It was hard work that set Kean Yew apart from the rest at an early age |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2021/12/21/badminton-it-was-hard-work-that-set-kean-yew-apart-from-the-rest-at-an-early-age |access-date=31 December 2021 |work=The Star |date=21 December 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211231103347/https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2021/12/21/badminton-it-was-hard-work-that-set-kean-yew-apart-from-the-rest-at-an-early-age |archive-date=31 December 2021}} According to the president of the PBA, Loh and his third brother Loh Kean Hean were attending training nine times a week at the prompting of their mother, and they were trained by two Chinese coaches, Li Mu and Chao Yue.{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=David |title=Badminton: Watch out, world champion Loh Kean Yew is 'just getting started' |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-watch-out-world-champion-loh-kean-yew-is-just-getting-started |access-date=31 December 2021 |work=The Straits Times |date=20 December 2021}} Loh won the 2009 National Junior Grand Prix Finals by defeating Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia in the under-12 final.

In 2007, Loh visited Singapore for the first time, as his brother Kean Hean attended a trial at the Singapore Sports School, with Loh being there to help his brother warm up.{{cite news |last1=Ong |first1=Justin |title='He had that spark': Mentor, badminton association on what made Loh Kean Yew a world champ |url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/he-had-spark-mentor-badminton-association-what-made-loh-kean-yew-world-champ-1775276 |access-date=31 December 2021 |work=Today |date=21 December 2021}} Kean Hean moved to Singapore in 2009, joining Montfort Secondary School. Meanwhile, Loh visited Singapore again in 2009 for his trial with the Singapore Sports School, where he performed well enough to be offered a place in the Singapore Sports School's Badminton Academy. Loh was also offered a place in Malaysia's Bukit Jalil Sports School but he rejected it for Singapore.

Loh moved to Singapore at the age of 13 to attend the Singapore Sports School's four-year programme from 2010 to 2013, on a scholarship offered by the school.{{cite news |last1=Kwek |first1=Kimberly |title=Badminton: Cheers for Loh Kean Yew as he returns to alma mater S'pore Sports School |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-cheers-for-loh-kean-yew-as-he-returns-to-alma-mater-spore-sports-school |access-date=2 January 2022 |work=The Straits Times |date=29 December 2021}} With Loh's parents remaining in their family home in George Town, they relied on support in Singapore to look after Loh, stemming from sources such as Loh's maternal uncle, an ex-classmate of Loh's father, as well as the family of Kean Hean's doubles partner Terry Hee. Loh said that his initial reaction was anger, but he had no choice because his mother "already bought the tickets". He suffered from homesickness for a period but got better when he called his mother and cried to her, letting out the unhappiness. Loh credited his peers for not judging his accent and allowing him to fit in with them. He also credited the school staff for taking care of him. He had badminton training twice a day at the Singapore Sports School. From late 2011 onwards, Loh was coached by Kelvin Ho, a former Singapore national badminton player.{{cite news |last1=Ong |first1=Justin |title=A 'brother' and a coach: Kelvin Ho on his bond with Loh Kean Yew, and how social media blackout helped title win |url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/brother-and-coach-kelvin-ho-his-bond-loh-kean-yew-and-how-social-media-blackout-helped-title-win-1777806 |access-date=3 January 2022 |work=CNA |date=24 December 2021}}

After graduating from the Singapore Sports School, Loh continued his education at Republic Polytechnic (RP), studying Sports and Leisure Management.{{cite news |last1=Wong |first1=Jonathan |last2=Lee |first2=David |title=Making of a badminton champ: Loh Kean Yew left his home, family, school to chase his dreams |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/making-of-a-world-champion-shuttler-loh-kean-yew-left-his-home-family-school-to-chase-his-dreams |access-date=3 January 2022 |work=The Straits Times |date=21 December 2021}} In 2015, Loh officially became a Singaporean citizen. Also that year, after Loh had turned 18, he informed his mother that he would drop out of schooling to become a professional sportsman, as Loh wanted to focus on badminton full-time. His mother said that the family was "shocked", and recounted telling Loh: "I sent him to Singapore to study, but now he wants to give that up to play badminton?" However, the family ultimately "trusted" and "supported" Loh because he was "mature", "disciplined and knew what he wanted to do", said his mother. As such, Loh dropped out of Republic Polytechnic after one year of study.

2012 marked the start of Loh's professional career. At age 15, Loh played in his first senior tournament at the 2012 Chinese Taipei Open in October. He participated in two events, the men's singles and the mixed doubles.{{cite web |title=Yonex Chinese Taipei Open 2012 - Match 19|url=https://bwf.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/match.aspx?id=2c98f663-c930-4285-96d2-42b22a261ffb&match=19|publisher=BWF-Tournament Software|access-date=22 April 2022}}{{cite web |title=Yonex Chinese Taipei Open 2012 - Match 368|url=https://bwf.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/match.aspx?id=2c98f663-c930-4285-96d2-42b22a261ffb&match=368|publisher=BWF-Tournament Software|access-date=22 April 2022}}

In 2013, he participated in eight more tournaments throughout the year, either in the men's singles discipline, doubles, or both. His best showing was in the singles events where he reached the second round of both the Malaysia Masters{{cite web |title=Yonex Sunrise Malaysia Grand Prix Gold 2013 - Match 80|url=https://bwf.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/match.aspx?id=1bb3ee73-7184-441e-a157-6f75976ba730&match=80|publisher=BWF-Tournament Software|access-date=22 April 2022}} and Indonesia Masters.{{cite web |title=Yonex Sunrise Indonesia Open - Match 116|url=https://bwf.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/match.aspx?id=3a6bd35a-e2c2-4c20-9d73-5b0d68eac250&match=116|publisher=BWF-Tournament Software|access-date=22 April 2022}}

In 2014, Loh won that year's Singapore International Series tournament, with International Series events being the fourth tier of Badminton World Federation events at the time.{{cite news|title=Badminton: Loh Kean Yew plays his own game for surprise title in Malaysia |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/sport/loh-plays-own-game-for-surprise-victory |work=The Straits Times |access-date=3 October 2017|first1=Lester|last1=Wong}}{{cite web |title=W Singapurze znów lokalnie |url=http://badmintonzone.pl/?strona=news&id=1246 |publisher=BadmintonZone.pl |date=23 August 2014 |access-date=27 July 2022 |language=pl |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727003520/http://badmintonzone.pl/?strona=news&id=1246 |archive-date=27 July 2022}}

At the age of 17, Loh (world no. 139) represented Singapore at the 2015 SEA Games in the men's singles event and won a bronze after being defeated by Mohamad Arif Abdul Latif in the semi-final.{{Cite web|url=https://tnp.straitstimes.com/sports/team-singapore/shuttler-kean-yew-stuns-vietnamese-opponent-ranked-111-positions-higher|title = Shuttler Kean Yew stuns Vietnamese opponent ranked 111 positions higher|date = 14 June 2015}}{{Cite web|url=https://tnp.straitstimes.com/sports/team-singapore/local-surprise-package-kean-yew-already-assured-badminton-bronze|title = Local surprise package Kean Yew already assured of badminton bronze|date = 15 June 2015}}{{Cite web|url=https://tnp.straitstimes.com/sports/team-singapore/kean-yews-amazing-ride-badminton-semis|title = Kean Yew's amazing ride to badminton semis|date = 16 June 2015}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/spore-shuttler-loh-kean-yew-17-serves-notice-of-intent|title = S'pore shuttler Loh Kean Yew, 17, serves notice of intent | the Straits Times| newspaper=The Straits Times |date = 15 June 2015}} He was also in the men's team in 2015, 2017, and 2019, where he won bronzes in all three editions.{{cite web |title=Athletes: Loh Kean Yew |url=https://www.myactivesg.com/team-singapore/athletes/l/loh-kean-yew |publisher=Singapore Sports Council |access-date=3 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707014303/https://www.myactivesg.com/team-singapore/athletes/l/loh-kean-yew |archive-date=7 July 2019 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web|first=Fabian|last=Peter|title=We're in! Malaysia qualifies for Sea Games badminton final with win over Singapore|url=https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2017/08/271631/were-malaysia-qualifies-sea-games-badminton-final-win-over-singapore|work=New Straits Times|date=23 August 2017}}{{cite news |title=Badminton: Singapore's men lose to Malaysia, retain bronze at SEA Games |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/sea-games-2019-singapore-malaysia-badminton-men-semi-final-12144552 |work=CNA |date=2 December 2019 |access-date=3 December 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022093628/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/sea-games-2019-singapore-malaysia-badminton-men-semi-final-12144552 |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 October 2020}} He also won the Singapore and Malaysia International tournaments in 2017.{{cite news|title=Badminton: Not in peak form but NSF Loh wins once more |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/sport/not-in-peak-form-but-nsf-loh-wins-once-more |publisher=The Straits Times |access-date=3 October 2017}}

Loh served his National Service (NS) for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) from 2016 to 2018, eventually earning the rank of corporal first class (CFC).{{cite news |last1=Mohan |first1=Matthew |title=Singapore's Loh Kean Yew wins men's singles title at Hylo Open, Yeo Jia Min finishes second |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/badminton-loh-kean-yew-singapore-malaysia-lee-zii-jia-hylo-open-final-win-2297261 |work=CNA |access-date=25 November 2021}} During his service, he continued to train and play badminton for the Singapore Armed Forces Sports Association (SAFSA), as well as representing his country at various major events such as the 2017 SEA Games and the 2018 Commonwealth Games.{{cite web |last=Wong |first=Lester |title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew claims Malaysia International Series title|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-singapores-loh-kean-yew-claims-malaysia-international-series-title |publisher=The Straits Times |access-date=23 December 2021|date=16 July 2017}} In 2017, he stated that his goal is to eventually win an Olympic gold medal for Singapore in badminton.{{cite news |title=S'pore shuttler Loh Kean Yew, 17, serves notice of intent |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/sport/spore-shuttler-loh-kean-yew-17-serves-notice-of-intent |publisher=The Straits Times |access-date=3 October 2017}} In 2018, he received the best sportsman award from SAFSA.

At the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Loh lost to Lee Chong Wei in the quarter-finals in the men's singles event,{{cite web |last=Liew |first=Vincent |title=Lee Chong Wei faces tough task in Commonwealth games semis|url=https://www.badmintonplanet.com/badminton-news/11968-lee-chong-wei-faces-tough-task-commonwealth-games-semis.html|publisher=Badminton Planet |access-date=8 November 2022|date=14 April 2018}} and lost 3–0 in the bronze medal playoff to England in the Mixed team event. Loh lost to Rajiv Ouseph in the second match, losing 22–20, 15–21, 23–25 in three games.{{cite web|last=Lim |first=Say Heng|title=Commonwealth Games: Singapore's badminton mixed team beaten 3-0 by England in bronze-medal tie|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/commonwealth-games-singapores-badminton-mixed-team-beaten-0-3-by-england-in-bronze-medal-tie|website=The Straits Times|date=9 April 2018|access-date=8 November 2022}} Thereafter, he won his fourth International Series/Challenge title, the 2018 Mongolia International tournament.{{cite web |title=Mongolia International Series 2018 |url=https://bwf.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/winners.aspx?id=8F1BDBA2-1D91-41B8-9F12-4A0EA009FA97 |publisher=BWF-Tournament Software |access-date=21 April 2019}} That same year, Loh briefly joined the Langhøj Badminton Club in Denmark for 3 months.{{cite web|last=Lim |first=Say Heng|title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew and Yeo Jia Min to play with European Clubs|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-singapores-loh-kean-yew-and-yeo-jia-min-to-play-with-european-clubs|website=The Straits Times|date=19 October 2018|access-date=27 July 2021}}

During the Thailand Masters in 2019, as a qualifier, Loh won against China's Zhou Zeqi, Zhao Junpeng, and Chinese Taipei's Wang Tzu-wei before advancing to the semifinals. He took the semifinals against Brice Leverdez in an eventual 2–1 win. He played against China's Lin Dan in the final and won with a score of 21–19, 21–18.{{cite news |last=Mohan |first=Matthew |date=13 January 2019 |title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew stuns Chinese superstar Lin Dan in Thailand Masters final |work=CNA |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/loh-kean-yew-defeat-lin-dan-thailand-masters-11116908 |url-status=dead |access-date=13 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114044405/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/loh-kean-yew-defeat-lin-dan-thailand-masters-11116908 |archive-date=14 January 2019}}

At Loh's first World Championships, he lost to Chinese Taipei's Chou Tien-chen in the round of 16, losing 13–21, 21–18, 17–21 in three games.{{cite web |first=Gayle|last=Alleyne|date=22 August 2019|title='Two' Much Trouble! – Basel 2019 |url=https://bwfworldchampionships.bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2019/08/22/two-much-trouble-basel-2019 |publisher=Badminton World Federation |access-date=8 November 2022}}

Loh won the men's singles silver medal in the 2019 SEA Games, losing in the final match against Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia.{{cite news |first=Matthew |last=Mohan |title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew settles for silver after losing SEA Games final |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/sea-games-2019-badminton-singapore-loh-kean-yew-final-12167360 |work=CNA |date=9 December 2019 |access-date=9 December 2019}} Loh also won his first National Championships title that year, defeating compatriot Lee Wei Hong in the final.{{Cite web|title=Singapore National Open Championships 2019|url=https://sba.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/draw.aspx?id=4481a77d-d791-46be-885f-12122bc6a53d&draw=2|website=sba.tournamentsoftware.com}}

Loh qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics after placing 18th in the Race to Tokyo men's singles rankings.{{cite web|last=Lee|first=David|title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew, Yeo Jia Min's slots at Tokyo 2020 confirmed |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-singapores-loh-kean-yew-yeo-jia-mins-slots-at-tokyo-2020-confirmed |publisher=The Straits Times|date=7 June 2021|access-date=27 Jul 2021}} He was the flag bearer for Singapore during the Parade of Nations.{{cite news |last1=Mohan |first1=Matthew |title=Tokyo Olympics declared open; Team Singapore led in by Loh Kean Yew and Yu Mengyu |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/tokyo-olympics-2020-opening-ceremony-amid-covid-19-2037676 |work=CNA |access-date=27 November 2021}} In July 2021, Loh was eliminated from the Olympics in the group stage; he won a match against Aram Mahmoud in straight games, and lost to Jonatan Christie, the seventh seed, in a closely-contested rubber game.{{cite web |title=Badminton - LOH Kean Yew |url=https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/badminton/athlete-profile-n1359187-loh-kean-yew.htm |work=Tokyo 2020 Olympics |publisher=Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games |access-date=3 August 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803163249/https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/badminton/athlete-profile-n1359187-loh-kean-yew.htm |archive-date=3 August 2021}}{{cite news|last=Mohan|first=Matthew|title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew falls to Indonesia's Christie in thriller, eliminated from Olympics|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/loh-kean-yew-badminton-tokyo-olympics-team-singapore-15319398|work=CNA|date=28 July 2021|access-date=2 August 2021}}

From August 2021, Loh attended a one-month training camp in Dubai arranged by Denmark's Olympic badminton champion Viktor Axelsen, joining Axelsen and fellow players Toby Penty from England, Brian Yang from Canada, Felix Burestedt from Sweden, Lakshya Sen from India, as well as teenagers Axel Parkhoi and Marcus Viscovich from Denmark.{{cite news |last1=Mohan |first1=Matthew |title='I didn't want to miss this': Singapore's Loh Kean Yew on training with Olympic badminton champ Axelsen |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/loh-kean-yew-badminton-viktor-axelsen-olympics-2161031 |access-date=2 January 2022 |work=CNA |date=13 September 2021}}{{cite news |last=Lee |first=David |title=Badminton: S'pore's Loh Kean Yew to train with Axelsen again in Olympic medal push |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-spores-loh-kean-yew-to-train-with-axelsen-again-in-olympic-medal-push |access-date=2 January 2022 |work=The Straits Times |date=20 December 2021}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-spores-loh-kean-yew-ends-two-year-title-drought-at-dutch-open|title = Badminton: S'pore's Loh Kean Yew ends two-year title drought at Dutch Open|work= The Straits Times|date = 17 October 2021|last1 = Lee|first1 = David}} There were 12 training sessions per week, with a training style similar to interval training with 90-second drills, said Loh. Loh followed this with three weeks of training with France's national badminton squad at INSEP near Paris.

File:Loh Kean Yew.jpg

In mid-October 2021, Loh (world no. 41) took part in the Dutch Open as the second seed. Loh won the tournament by prevailing in the finals 21–12, 21–16 over top seed Lakshya Sen (world no. 25), Loh's former training partner. It was Loh's first tournament victory since 2019; the win netted him S$1,900.{{Cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/badminton-singapore-loh-kean-yew-wins-dutch-open-2021-2250271|title=Singaporean badminton player Loh Kean Yew wins Dutch Open; team-mates Terry Hee and Loh Kean Hean claim doubles crown|first1=Kurt|last1=Ganapathy|date=18 October 2021|access-date=2 January 2022}}

In early November 2021, Loh (world no. 39) won the 2021 Hylo Open in Saarbrücken, Germany, which was the first time he won a Super 500 event (the fourth-highest tier of the BWF World Tour).{{cite web |last=Lee |first=David |title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh claims Hylo Open title after Malaysian opponent Lee retires |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-singapores-yeo-jia-min-finishes-second-at-hylo-open-in-germany |website=The Straits Times |access-date=28 November 2021 |date=7 November 2021}} The unseeded Loh defeated top seed Chou Tien-chen (world no. 4), in the first round 21–18, 21–13.{{cite news |last=Mohan |first=Matthew |title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew knocks out top seed and world number 4 Chou at Germany tournament |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/badminton-loh-kean-yew-beat-chou-tien-chen-germany-2289941 |access-date=2 January 2022 |work=CNA |date=4 November 2021}} After dispatching France's Toma Junior Popov (world no. 35) and Denmark's Rasmus Gemke (world no. 13), Loh then defeated Lakshya Sen in the semi-finals 21–18, 21–12.{{cite news |last=Mohan |first=Matthew |title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew beats India's Sen, advances to Hylo Open final |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/badminton-singapores-loh-kean-yew-beats-indias-sen-advances-hylo-open-final-2295976 |access-date=2 January 2022 |work=CNA |date=7 November 2021}} In the finals, Loh again defeated Lee Zii Jia (world no. 8), this time with a score of 19–21, 21–13, 17–12 when Lee retired due to injury. Loh won S$32,400 in prize money as a result.

In mid-November 2021, Loh (world no. 30) took part in the 2021 Indonesia Masters, where he defeated Wang Tzu-wei (world no. 11), in the first round, but lost in the next round to Wang's compatriot Chou Tien-chen 10–21, 12–21.{{cite news |last=Lee |first=David |title=Badminton: S'pore's Loh Kean Yew off to a flying start at Indonesia Masters |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-spores-loh-kean-yew-off-to-a-flying-start-at-indonesia-masters |access-date=2 January 2022 |work=The Straits Times |date=16 November 2021}}{{cite news |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-singapores-loh-kean-yews-six-match-winning-run-ends-at-indonesia-masters |last=Lee |first=David |title=Badminton: Yeo digs deep to win; Loh's hot streak finally ends |access-date=2 January 2022 |work=The Straits Times |date=18 November 2021}} In late November 2021, Loh participated in the 2021 Indonesia Open, a Super 1000 tournament. In the round of 16, Loh defeated the defending 2-time world champion Kento Momota (world no. 1), from Japan, with a score of 21–7, 17–21, 21–19.{{cite news |last=Lee |first=David |title=Badminton: S'pore's Loh Kean Yew shocks world No. 1 Momota, advances to Indonesia Open quarter-finals |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-singapores-loh-kean-yew-shocks-japans-world-no-1-kento-momota |access-date=2 January 2022 |work=The Straits Times |date=25 November 2021}} Subsequent wins over Danish players Hans-Kristian Vittinghus (world no. 21) and Rasmus Gemke sent Loh into the finals, where Loh lost to Viktor Axelsen 13–21, 21–9, 13–21.{{cite news |last1=Mohan |first1=Matthew |title=Singapore's Loh Kean Yew defeated by world No 2 Viktor Axelsen, finishes runner-up at Indonesia Open |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/loh-kean-yew-indonesia-open-axelsen-2343591 |work=CNA |access-date=18 December 2021}} His run was the best performance by a Singaporean male shuttler since Ronald Susilo's singles win at the 2004 Japan Open, a Super 750 tournament. However, the loss meant that Loh failed to qualify for the 2021 BWF World Tour Finals.{{cite news |last1=Sazali |first1=Abdul Aziz |title=Badminton: Loh Kean Yew loses to Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen in Indonesia Open final |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-loh-kean-yew-loses-to-olympic-champion-viktor-axelsen-in-indonesia-open-final |newspaper=The Straits Times |access-date=18 December 2021 |date=28 November 2021}}

In the 2021 BWF World Championships men's singles tournament in Huelva, Spain, the unseeded Loh (world no. 22) beat reigning Olympic champion and second seed Viktor Axelsen (world no. 1) in the first round with a score of 14–21, 21–9, 21–6 on 14 December. This was Loh's first victory over his former training partner.{{cite news|title= Singapore's Loh Kean Yew stuns world number one Viktor Axelsen at World Championships|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/singapores-loh-kean-yew-stuns-world-number-one-viktor-axelsen-world-championships-2377311|work=CNA|last1=Mohan|first1=Matthew|date=14 December 2021|access-date=19 December 2021}}{{cite news |title=Singapore's Loh Kean Yew beats Austria's Wraber, progresses to third round of badminton World Championships|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/badminton-loh-kean-yew-progresses-third-round-world-championships-2381986|work=CNA|last1=Mohan|first1=Matthew|date=15 December 2021|accessdate=19 December 2021}} In the second and third rounds, Loh breezed past Austria's Luka Wraber (world no. 93) 21–4, 21–8, and Thailand's Kantaphon Wangcharoen (world no. 20), the sixteenth seed, 21–4, 21–7.{{cite news|title=Singapore's Loh Kean Yew thrashes higher-ranked Kantaphon, progresses to badminton World Championships quarters|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/badminton-loh-kean-yew-kantaphon-world-championships-2385171|work=CNA|last1=Mohan|first1=Matthew|date=17 December 2021|access-date=19 December 2021}} In the quarter-finals, Loh defeated India's Prannoy H. S. (world no. 32) 21–14, 21–12, his first victory against Prannoy after two previous losses. Thus, Loh qualified for the semi-finals and guaranteed a medal at the World Championships, a feat never achieved before by any Singaporean.{{cite news |title= Loh Kean Yew makes history for Singapore with quarters win, guaranteed World Championships medal |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/loh-kean-yew-singapore-makes-history-bwf-world-championships-medal-2387696|work=CNA|last1=Mohan|first1=Matthew|date=18 December 2021|access-date=19 December 2021}} While playing against Prannoy, Loh sprained his right ankle.{{cite news |first1=David |last1=Lee |title= Singapore's Loh Kean Yew is badminton world champion|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-singapores-loh-kean-yew-is-world-champion|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=19 December 2021|access-date=19 December 2021}}

In the semi-finals on 18 December, Loh defeated the third seed, Denmark's Anders Antonsen (world no. 3) 23–21, 21–14 to qualify for the finals.{{cite news |title=BWF World Championships: Lakshya Sen sets up semi-final clash against Kidambi Srikanth |url=https://www.espn.com.sg/badminton/story/_/id/32888705/bwf-world-championships-2021-lakshya-sen-sets-semifinal-clash-kidambi-srikanth |access-date=3 January 2022 |work=ESPN |agency=Press Trust of India}}{{cite news |title= Badminton: Loh Kean Yew becomes first S'porean to reach World C'ships final|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-loh-kean-yew-becomes-first-sporean-to-reach-world-cships-final|work=The Straits Times|date=19 December 2021|access-date=19 December 2021}} After the semi-final match, Loh's right ankle injury had deteriorated to the point that he could not walk and required a wheelchair. Loh later said that his physiotherapist (Ho Jiaying) worked on his foot from 10:30 pm to 1:30 am to ensure that he could walk again. In the finals, Loh further made Singaporean history by winning the 2021 BWF World Championships, defeating the twelfth seed, India's Srikanth Kidambi (world no. 14) in a 43-minute match with a score of 21–15, 22–20.{{cite news |last=Ansari |first=Aarish |title=BWF World Championships: Kidambi Srikanth settles for silver medal |url=https://olympics.com/en/news/bwf-badminton-world-championships-2021-kidambi-srikanth-loh-kean-yew-result |access-date=3 January 2022 |work=International Olympic Committee |date=19 December 2021}} After the win, Loh credited people from the Singapore Badminton Association, Sport Singapore, Singapore Sport Institute, and "many others" for help and support during his journey. His return to Singapore's Changi Airport was greeted with a water salute at the tarmac, similar to Joseph Schooling after he had won a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in swimming.{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=David |last2=Ganesan |first2=Deepanraj |title='Shiok' to be back home, says S'pore's badminton world champ Loh Kean Yew | The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/water-salute-warm-welcome-home-for-spores-badminton-world-champ-loh-kean-yew |website=straitstimes.com |publisher=The Straits Times |access-date=21 December 2021 |language=en |date=21 December 2021}}

File:LKY SBO2022.jpg

Loh started the season with a defeat in the final of the India Open to Lakshya Sen in straight games, with a score of 22–24, 17–21.{{cite news |title= Loh Kean Yew loses in India Open final; Singapore duo wins mixed doubles crown|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/loh-kean-yew-loses-india-open-final-2439211|work=CNA|date=16 January 2022|access-date=21 February 2022}} In February, he won a historic bronze with the Singapore men's team at the Badminton Asia Team Championships, the first in the nation's history. In the process, he booked a spot in the Thomas Cup to be held in May.{{cite news |title= Badminton: Singapore's men lose 3-2 to Indonesia in Asia Team C'ships semis|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-singapores-men-lose-3-2-to-indonesia-in-asia-team-cships-semis|work=The Straits Times|date=19 February 2022|access-date=21 February 2022}} Loh then fell in the first rounds of the German and All England Open, where he lost to Brian Yang and Anders Antonsen respectively, both in 3 games.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=David |date=10 March 2022 |title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew falls at first hurdle in German Open|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-singapores-loh-kean-yew-falls-at-first-hurdle-in-german-open |access-date=8 November 2022 |publisher=The Straits Times}}{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=David |date=17 March 2022 |title=Badminton: World champion Loh Kean Yew exits All England in 1st round|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-world-champion-loh-kean-yew-exits-all-england-in-1st-round |access-date=17 March 2022 |publisher=The Straits Times}} He later tested positive for COVID-19 while in England, and subsequently withdrew from the Swiss Open, Korea Open, and the Korea Masters, the latter two of which he chose to withdraw since he did not get a chance to train in March due to COVID-19.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=David |date=22 March 2022 |title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew withdraws from Swiss Open due to Covid-19|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-singapores-loh-kean-yew-withdraws-from-swiss-open-due-to-covid-19 |access-date=22 March 2022 |publisher=The Straits Times}}{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=David |date=3 April 2022 |title=Badminton: Terry Hee and Tan Wei Han win Orleans Masters mixed doubles final for 3rd title in 6 months|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-terry-hee-and-tan-wei-han-win-orleans-masters-mixed-doubles-final-for-3rd-title-in-6-months |access-date=3 April 2022 |publisher=The Straits Times}} In his first Thomas Cup appearance, Loh played well, winning all his matches as the first singles, beating Indonesia's Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (21–13, 21–14), South Korea's Heo Kwang-hee (21–14, 21–12) and Thailand's Khosit Phetpradab (21–15, 21–18) in straight sets to earn the points for Singapore in every series. However, it turned out to be futile as Singapore went on to lose in all three series thus missing out on a place in the knockout round.{{cite news |title=Singapore ends Thomas Cup campaign with narrow 2-3 loss to Thailand|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-thomas-cup-campaign-narrow-loss-thailand-125147078.html|work=Yahoo! News|date=11 May 2022|access-date=22 May 2022}}

At the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam, Loh entered the men's team event, playing the first singles for Singapore. Singapore then ended up losing 2–3 to Malaysia in the semifinals despite having a 2–0 lead, thus clinching a bronze.{{Cite web |last=Chia |first=Laura |date=18 May 2022 |title=SEA Games: Shuttlers settle for sixth straight team bronze|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/sea-games-shuttlers-settle-for-sixth-straight-team-bronze |access-date=22 May 2022 |publisher=The Straits Times}} Later in the men's singles event, Loh was the number 1 seed. He ended up losing in the final to the number 2 seed and world number 18 Kunlavut Vitidsarn in straight sets, 13–21, 13–21. He, therefore, had to settle for the silver medal again.{{Cite web |last=Chia |first=Laura |date=22 May 2022 |title=SEA Games: I gave it my all, says Loh Kean Yew after world champ falls to Thai in final|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/sea-games-silver-for-loh-kean-yew-again-after-world-champ-falls-to-thai-in-final |access-date=22 May 2022 |publisher=The Straits Times}} After the match, Loh stated that his form was "second-best" on that day and that he "could have done better".{{cite web |last1=Mohan |first1=Matthew |title=Loh Kean Yew loses to Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, takes SEA Games singles silver |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/loh-kean-yew-sea-games-silver-thailand-kunlavut-vitidsarn-2699081 |website=channelnewsasia.com |access-date=3 March 2025 |date=22 May 2022}}

At the 2022 Indonesia Masters, Loh, the 8th seed, won against Toma Jr Popov, Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo, and Lu Guangzu to reach the semi-finals of the tournament, meeting the 3rd seed and world number 4 Chou Tien-chen. Loh lost the match in a closely-contested rubber set match, 16–21, 21–8, 19–21 in an hour and ten minutes, losing 2 crucial points at 19-all, ending his run at the tournament.{{Cite web |title=Battling Loh Kean Yew falls to Taiwan veteran in Indonesia Masters semi-finals |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/loh-kean-yew-falls-taiwan-veteran-indonesia-masters-semi-finals-110835846.html |access-date=11 June 2022 |website=sg.news.yahoo.com|date=11 June 2022 }} Loh then rose back to his then career-best ranking of 9th place the next week, overtaking India's Lakshya Sen.{{cite web |last1=Peter |first1=Fabian |title=The World is not enough for Kean Yew |url=https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2022/06/808687/world-not-enough-kean-yew |website=nst.com.my |publisher=New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd |access-date=3 March 2025 |date=27 June 2022}}

In early August, Loh was part of the Singaporean team who played at the Mixed Team event at the Commonwealth Games. In the group stage, Loh played against Mauritius' Julien Paul, winning in two straight games, 21–10, 21–12.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=David |date=29 July 2022 |title=Commonwealth Games: S'pore showcase badminton squad depth in early mixed team rounds|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/commonwealth-games-easy-start-for-singapores-shuttlers-but-tough-challenges-await |access-date=4 August 2022 |website=The Straits Times}} Loh was rested against Barbados and went on to beat England's Toby Penty, beating him in two straight sets, 21–12, 21–12, contributing to Singapore's 4–1 win over England. Singapore topped Group B, earning the 4th seeded position.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=David |date=31 July 2022 |title=Commonwealth Games: S'pore beat hosts England to top mixed team group in badminton|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/commonwealth-games-spore-beat-hosts-england-to-top-mixed-team-group-in-badminton |access-date=4 August 2022 |website=The Straits Times}} In the quarterfinals, Singapore won 3–0 against Scotland. Loh played against Callum Smith, winning 21–8, 21–5 in straight sets.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=David |date=1 August 2022 |title=Commonwealth Games: Singapore beat Scotland 3-0 to make badminton mixed team final four|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/commonwealth-games-singapore-beat-scotland-3-0-to-make-badminton-mixed-team-final-four |access-date=4 August 2022 |website=The Straits Times}} Singapore met second seeds India in the semi-final. Loh lost to Lakshya Sen in the tie decider, losing 18–21, 15–21. Singapore lost 0–3 overall.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=David |date=2 August 2022 |title=Commonwealth Games: Shuttler Loh Kean Hean ruled out with Covid-19 as S'pore's mixed team lose s-final to India|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/commonwealth-games-shuttler-loh-kean-hean-ruled-out-with-covid-19-as-spores-mixed-team-lose-s-final-to-india |access-date=4 August 2022 |website=The Straits Times}} In the bronze medal playoff, Singapore was playing against England. Despite beating Penty convincingly in the Group tie 4 days earlier, Loh struggled against the 54th-ranked Englishman, winning the 3-set match, 23–25, 21–11, 25–23, taking 5 match points to secure the point for Singapore. Singapore eventually won 3–0 and won the Mixed team bronze medal.{{Cite web |last=Kwek |first=Kimberly |date=2 August 2022 |title=Commonwealth Games: Singapore clinch bronze in badminton mixed team event|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/commonwealth-games-singapore-clinch-bronze-in-badminton-mixed-team-event |access-date=4 August 2022 |website=The Straits Times}}

In late August, Loh, the 8th seed, crashed out at the quarterfinal stage at the World Championships held in Tokyo, losing 12–21, 21–17, 8–21 to three-time World Junior champion and 16th seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn in an hour and five minutes, failing to defend his world title from the previous world championships in Huelva.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=David |date=26 August 2022 |title='I gave my all': Loh Kean Yew knocked out of World Championships|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-loh-kean-yew-falls-to-old-foe-kunlavut-vitidsarn-in-quarter-finals-of-world-cships |access-date=26 August 2022 |website=The Straits Times}}

In the first week of October, Loh rose to his then career-rank high of 5, replacing Kento Momota, who fell 2 spots after an update of ranking points. This made Loh the first men's singles player from Singapore to reach the top 5, the closest player prior to this achievement being Ronald Susilo who achieved a career high of 6th in 2004.{{cite web|title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew is now 5th in the world rankings |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-singapores-loh-kean-yew-is-now-5th-in-the-world-rankings|publisher=The Straits Times|date=5 October 2022|access-date=17 October 2022}} In mid-October, at the Denmark Open, Loh defeated number 1 seed and training partner Viktor Axelsen in the quarterfinals, winning 21–17, 21–10 in 30 minutes, ending Axelsen's 39 match-winning streak he held since the All England Open.{{Cite web |last=Kjærsgaard |first=Jonas |date=21 October 2022 |title=Axelsen i chokerende exit - TV 2 |url=https://sport.tv2.dk/badminton/2022-10-21-axelsen-i-chokerende-exit |access-date=21 October 2022 |website=TV 2 Sport |language=da-DK}}{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=David |date=22 October 2022 |title=Badminton: Loh Kean Yew stuns Viktor Axelsen to reach Denmark Open s-finals |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-loh-kean-yew-stuns-viktor-axelsen-to-reach-denmark-open-s-finals |access-date=22 October 2022}} However, Loh lost in the semi-finals to Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia in straight games the next day, losing 18–21, 15–21 in 39 minutes.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=David |date=23 October 2022 |title=Badminton: Loh Kean Yew falls to Malaysia's Lee in Denmark Open semi-final |work=The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-loh-kean-yew-falls-to-malaysia-s-lee-in-denmark-open-semi-final |access-date=25 October 2022}}

In early November, Loh participated in the Hylo Open as the number 4 seed. After defeating Shi Yuqi and Shesar Hiren Rhustavito in the first and second round, Loh crashed out to 5th seed and eventual winner Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in the quarterfinals, losing in straight games, 13–21, 14–21.{{cite web|last=Chia |first=Han Keong |title=Loh Kean Yew's Hylo Open defence ends at familiar stumbling block|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/loh-kean-yews-hylo-open-defence-ends-familiar-stumbling-block-010214727.html|publisher=Yahoo! News|date=5 November 2022|access-date=8 November 2022}} After the tournament concluded, Loh rose 2 spots to his new career-high ranking of 3rd, replacing Anders Antonsen who fell to 5th after an update of ranking points.{{cite web |last=Mohan |first=Matthew |date=8 November 2022 |title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew rises to world number 3, sets new career high |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/badminton-loh-kean-yew-world-number-3-new-career-high-3052241 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108063113/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/badminton-loh-kean-yew-world-number-3-new-career-high-3052241 |archive-date=8 November 2022 |access-date=8 November 2022 |publisher=CNA}}

Loh managed to gain enough ranking points to qualify for the 2022 BWF World Tour Finals held in Bangkok next month, becoming the first male player from Singapore to ever qualify for the season-ending final.{{cite web|last=Lee |first=David |title=Badminton: Loh Kean Yew is first Singaporean man to reach World Tour Finals|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-loh-kean-yew-wins-opener-in-australia-to-qualify-for-bwf-world-tour-finals|publisher=The Straits Times|date=16 November 2022|access-date=18 November 2022}}

In December, at the final tournament of the year, the World Tour Finals, Loh was drawn into Group B with Chou Tien-chen, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, and Jonatan Christie. In his first group stage encounter with Chou Tien-chen, Loh defeated him in straight games, 21–15, 21–17.{{cite web|last=Lee |first=David |title=Badminton: Loh Kean Yew wins on BWF Tour Finals debut|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-loh-kean-yew-wins-on-bwf-tour-finals-debut|publisher=The Straits Times|date=8 December 2022|access-date=14 December 2022}} In his second encounter with Jonatan Christie, Loh lost in three games, 21–16, 20–22, 10–21, failing to convert his 2 match points in the second set.{{cite web|last=Lee |first=David |title=Badminton: Loh Kean Yew lets slip two match points in loss to Indonesia's Christie|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-loh-kean-yew-lets-slip-two-match-points-in-loss-to-indonesian-jonatan-christie|publisher=The Straits Times|date=7 December 2022|access-date=14 December 2022}} In his final group encounter with Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, Loh lost in straight games, 12–21, 21–23. Loh placed 3rd in the group and did not progress to the semi-finals knockout stage.

Loh had a mixed 2023 BWF season, showing flashes of brilliance but also struggling with consistency in major tournaments. His best performance came at the Asia Championships, where Loh made it to his first final since the 2021 SEA Games. In the final, he lost to Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in straight games.{{cite web|last=Lee|first=David|title= Loh Kean Yew falls short in Badminton Asia C'ships final, losing to Indonesian world No. 2|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/loh-kean-yew-falls-short-in-badminton-asia-c-ships-final-losing-to-indonesian-world-no-2|publisher=The Straits Times|date=30 April 2023|access-date=30 April 2023}} At the Korea Open, he finished runner-up to Anders Antonsen, marking his second finals appearance of the season.{{cite web|last=Lee|first=David|title=Loh Kean Yew's title drought continues with Korea Open final loss to Anders Antonsen|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/loh-kean-yew-s-title-drought-continues-with-korea-open-final-loss-to-anders-antonsen|publisher=The Straits Times|date=23 July 2023|access-date=23 July 2023}} He also reached the semi-finals at the French Open and made quarter-final runs at the Denmark Open, China Open and India Open.

At the 2023 BWF World Championships, Loh reached the round of 16, a respectable finish, though short of his 2021 title-winning performance.{{Cite web |date=25 August 2023 |title=BWF World Championships 2023: Loh Kean Yew out in the round of 16 |url=https://www.olympics.com/en/news/loh-kean-yew-out-round-16-bwf-world-championships-2023-loh-kean-yew-out-in-the-round-of-16 |url-status=live |website=Olympics.com}} His campaign at the Asian Games was less successful, with an early exit in both the individual and team events. Additionally, he represented Singapore at the Sudirman Cup and Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships, contributing to the national squad’s efforts.

However, Loh faced several early-round exits throughout the season, bowing out in the first round at major events such as the All England Open, Japan Open and China Masters. His struggles with consistency were evident, as he was unable to string together deep runs across multiple tournaments.

Since winning the World Championship in 2021, Loh endured a prolonged title drought, despite reaching five tournament finals. His breakthrough finally came in March, when he clinched the Madrid Spain Masters title, ending an 833-day wait for victory.{{Cite web |title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew wins Spain Masters, first title since 2021 World Championships |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/badminton-loh-kean-yew-wins-spain-masters-first-title-world-championships-4233011 |access-date=2024-03-31 |website=CNA |language=en}} He also secured a runner-up finish at the Thailand Masters, adding another podium to his season. Additionally, his quarter-final appearances at the French Open, Singapore Open, Denmark Open, and Indonesia Masters highlighted his competitive form throughout the year.

At the Badminton Asia Championships 2024, Loh crashed out in the first round, failing to repeat his 2023 run where he reached the final. His loss to Japan’s 12th-ranked Kenta Nishimoto also came just 10 days after his 2024 Spain Masters win.{{Cite news |last=Tianbao |first=Lin |date=2024-04-10 |title=Loh Kean Yew suffers First-round exit at Badminton Asia Championships, mixed doubles pair advance |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/loh-kean-yew-suffers-first-round-exit-at-badminton-asia-championships-mixed-doubles-pair-advance |access-date=2024-04-19 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Loh impresses, advancing to the quarter-finals after a series of strong performances. Loh breezed through the group stage, easing past the Czech Republic's Jan Louda,{{cite news |last1=Mohan |first1=Matthew |title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew begins Olympics with straightforward win against Czech opponent |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/loh-kean-yew-badminton-olympics-team-singapore-paris-4510376 |work=CNA |access-date=1 August 2024}} El Salvador's Uriel Canjura{{cite news |last1=Mohan |first1=Matthew |title=Badminton: Loh Kean Yew books spot in knockout stages at Paris Olympics, will face China's world number 6 Li |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/paris-olympics-loh-kean-yew-badminton-4518071|work=CNA |access-date=1 August 2024}} and China's world number 6 Li Shifeng all in straight games to book a spot in the quarterfinals.{{Cite web |title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew upsets world number 6 Li, advances to Paris Olympics quarters |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/paris-olympics-loh-kean-yew-badminton-through-quarter-finals-4520346 |access-date=2024-08-03 |website=CNA |language=en}} This made him the first Singaporean men's singles player to reach the quarterfinals at an Olympics since Ronald Susilo in 2004. Loh unfortunately lost the quarterfinal to the eventual Olympic gold medalist and world number 2, Viktor Axelsen. He was outclassed in straight sets, 21-9, 21-17 in just 49 minutes.{{Cite web |title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew falls to defending Olympic champion Axelsen, exits Paris Olympics |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/loh-kean-yew-singapore-viktor-axelsen-paris-olympics-4523886 |access-date=2024-08-03 |website=CNA |language=en}}

Despite these strong showings, Loh struggled with consistency throughout the season, suffering multiple first-round exits, including early departures at the Malaysia Open, China Masters, Hong Kong Open, and Japan Open.

Loh's performance improved in 2025. He reached the final of the German Open in March, but lost to two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen.{{Cite web |title=Badminton: Singapore's Loh Kean Yew falls short at German Open, loses to Denmark's Axelsen in final |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/badminton-singapores-loh-kean-yew-falls-short-german-open-loses-denmarks-axelsen-final-4970781 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=CNA |language=en}} At the Badminton Asia Championships 2025, despite eliminated the top seed Shi Yu Qi earlier, Loh fell to Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn, taking home bronze in men's singles.{{Cite web |title=Loh Kean Yew falls to Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn, takes Badminton Asia Champs bronze |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/loh-kean-yew-singapore-kunlavut-vitidsarn-thailand-badminton-asia-championships-5061831 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=CNA |language=en}} At the 2025 Taipei Open, Loh won his first title in 14 months by defeating home favourite and top seed, Chou Tien-chen in the final.{{Cite web |title=Loh Kean Yew upsets home favourite Chou in Taipei Open final for first badminton title in 14 months |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/loh-kean-yew-taipei-open-badminton-title-chou-tien-chen-5121591 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=CNA |language=en}}

Loh's initials, LKY, has been noted by Singaporeans as being identical to Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first prime minister and its founding father. Loh himself responded to this observation, stating while laughing during an interview, that "My name not I choose one. I think it's just a coincidence. Just nice [sic]!"{{cite web |last1=Chia |first1=Han Keong |title=Loh Kean Yew: World title is just new beginning, I've still got long way to go |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/loh-kean-yew-world-title-new-beginning-long-way-133637108.html |access-date=22 December 2021 |website=sg.news.yahoo.com |date=21 December 2021 |language=en-SG}}

In 2022, Loh proposed to his girlfriend at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and they registered their marriage in 2023.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=David |date=2024-01-02 |title=Love is in the air as Singapore badminton player Loh Kean Yew eyes Paris Olympics tilt |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/love-is-in-the-air-as-singapore-badminton-player-loh-kean-yew-eyes-paris-olympics-tilt |access-date=2024-01-05 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}} They have one child, a son who was born in July 2024.{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=David |date=2024-08-07 |title=Loh Kean Yew missed birth of first child to prepare for Paris Olympics |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/loh-kean-yew-missed-birth-of-first-child-to-prepare-for-paris-olympics |access-date=2024-08-07 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}

Loh was nominated for the following lists and awards :

• Received the 2020 Meritorious Award from the Singapore National Olympic Committee (SNOC){{cite web |title=Singapore Sports Awards |url=http://www.singaporeolympics.com/singapore-sports-awards/ |publisher=Singapore National Olympic Council |access-date=13 February 2022}}
• Won The Straits Times' Athlete of the Year 2021{{Cite web |last=Kwek|first=Kimberly|date=29 April 2022|title=Badminton player Loh Kean Yew is The Straits Times' Athlete of the Year 2021|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-player-loh-kean-yew-is-the-straits-times-athlete-of-the-year-2021 |access-date=29 April 2022|publisher=The Straits Times}}
• Included in the Forbes 30 under 30 Asia 2022 list in the Entertainment and Sports category{{cite web |title=Forbes 30 under 30 Asia 2022 |url=https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/2022/asia/entertainment-sports?profile=loh-kean-yew |work=Forbes |access-date=26 May 2022}}
• Won the SNOC Sportsman of the Year 2021{{cite web |last=Ganesan|first=Deepanraj|title=Loh Kean Yew wins his first Sportsman of the Year award |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/loh-kean-yew-wins-his-first-sportsman-of-the-year-award |publisher=The Straits Times|date=10 November 2022|access-date=10 November 2022}}
• Nominated for BWF Male Player of the Year Award for 2021/2022 season{{Cite web |last=Lee|first=David|date=30 November 2022|title=Badminton: Loh Kean Yew 'honoured' to be nominated for BWF Male Player of the Year award|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-loh-kean-yew-nominated-for-bwf-male-player-of-the-year-award |access-date=30 November 2022|publisher=The Straits Times}}

Men's singles

Men's singles

Men's singles

The BWF World Tour, which was announced on 19 March 2017 and implemented in 2018,{{cite web |last=Alleyne |first=Gayle |title=BWF Launches New Events Structure |url=http://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2017/03/19/bwf-launches-new-event-structure/ |publisher=Badminton World Federation |date=19 March 2017 |access-date=29 November 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201164159/http://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2017/03/19/bwf-launches-new-event-structure/ |archive-date=1 December 2017}} is a series of elite badminton tournaments sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The BWF World Tour is divided into levels of World Tour Finals, Super 1000, Super 750, Super 500, Super 300, and the BWF Tour Super 100.{{cite web |last=Sukumar |first=Dev |title=Action-Packed Season Ahead! |url=http://bwfworldtour.com/news-single/2018/01/10/action-packed-season-ahead/ |publisher=Badminton World Federation |date=10 January 2018 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113162925/http://bwfworldtour.com/news-single/2018/01/10/action-packed-season-ahead/ |archive-date=13 January 2018}}

Men's singles

Men's singles

: {{Color box|#D8CEF6|border=darkgray}} BWF International Challenge tournament

: {{Color box|#D5D5D5|border=darkgray}} BWF International Series tournament

{{Performance key (badminton)}}

• Junior level

• Senior level

Record against Year-end Finals finalists, World Championships semi-finalists, and Olympic quarter-finalists. Accurate as of 20 May 2025.{{cite web |title=Loh Kean Yew Profile – Head To Head |url= https://bwfbadminton.com/players/head-to-head/?t1p1=76115 |publisher=Badminton World Federation |access-date= 20 May 2025}}

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• List of Singapore world champions in sports
• Sport in Singapore

{{Reflist}}

{{Notelist}}

• {{BWFB|76115}}
• {{BWFT|64D7D22C-CE54-4C9A-8EC3-70D9C7CEED71|member_id=76115}}
• [https://singaporebadminton.org.sg/site/profile-kean-yew/ Loh Kean Yew] at Singapore Badminton Association
• {{Olympics.com}}
• {{Olympedia}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20171003224824/http://gms.kualalumpur2017.com.my/RS2017/Athlete/ProfilePage/362 Loh Kean Yew] at the Kuala Lumpur 2017 Southeast Asian Games (archived)
• {{Instagram}}

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{{succession box

| before = Derek Wong

| title = Flagbearer for {{SIN}}
With Yu Mengyu

| years = Tokyo 2020

| after = Ryan Lo
Shanti Pereira

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{{portal bar|Biography|Olympic Games|Singapore|Sports}}

{{Footer World Champions Badminton Singles Men}}

{{Badminton in Singapore}}

{{Top ten badminton players|MS}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Loh, Kean Yew}}

Category:1997 births

Category:Living people

Category:Badminton players from Penang

Category:Malaysian emigrants to Singapore

Category:Singaporean sportspeople of Chinese descent

Category:Singaporean people of Hokkien descent

Category:Singaporean male badminton players

Category:Singapore Sports School alumni

Category:Badminton players at the 2020 Summer Olympics

Category:Badminton players at the 2024 Summer Olympics

Category:Olympic badminton players for Singapore

Category:Badminton players at the 2018 Commonwealth Games

Category:Badminton players at the 2022 Commonwealth Games

Category:Commonwealth Games bronze medallists for Singapore

Category:Commonwealth Games bronze medallists in badminton

Category:Medallists at the 2022 Commonwealth Games

Category:Badminton players at the 2022 Asian Games

Category:Asian Games badminton players for Singapore

Category:Competitors at the 2015 SEA Games

Category:Competitors at the 2017 SEA Games

Category:Competitors at the 2019 SEA Games

Category:Competitors at the 2021 SEA Games

Category:Competitors at the 2023 SEA Games

Category:SEA Games bronze medalists for Singapore

Category:SEA Games silver medalists for Singapore

Category:SEA Games medalists in badminton

Category:21st-century Singaporean sportsmen

Category:Naturalised citizens of Singapore