Chou Tien Chen has become the oldest man ever to win a BWF World Championships medal after beating Alwi Farhan in the quarterfinals in New Delhi on August 21, 2026. Photo: BAI New Delhi: Chou Tien Chen has won 12 BWF World Tour titles, a World Championships bronze and an Asian Games silver. Yet, the fire still burns. On Friday (August 21), the 36-year-old reached the BWF World Championships semifinals in New Delhi, securing his second Worlds medal after beating Indonesia's Alwi Farhan - a player 15 years his junior. For Chou, however, there is little surprise in it. Evergreen and driven, he continues his pursuit, backed by a vocal crowd at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Chou is now the oldest man to win a BWF Worlds medal, breaking Hendra Setiawan’s record set in 2022, when the Indonesian clinched men’s doubles gold at 35. Chou is still firmly in the hunt for the yellow metal. Asked about the secret behind his remarkable consistency in a fast, intense and physically demanding game - one in which he can still unleash jump smashes without feeling the effects of his knee - Chou admitted that sustaining such a level at his age may seem impossible, but his passion for the sport remains unchanged. “Because 100 per cent Jesus. Because no one can do that at this age,” he quipped with a broad smile while speaking to the media. His faith is also visible on his shirt, which carries a crucifix on the neckline. “I really prepare for the confidence from the God. So I can put all my pressure around Him. So I just go, just play my best on the court. So, however the age, however what, I can really, really enjoy this match. So, very appreciate the crowd from India. It’s amazing. So, God bless,” he added. At 36, Chou is still chasing his maiden Worlds gold at a time when most of his contemporaries have either retired, moved into coaching or are nearing the end of their careers. But age has done little to dull his hunger. He remains tenacious, pushing himself to keep driving, keep going and keep smashing. The battle with colorectal cancer, which required surgery to remove cancerous cells and part of his large intestine, hardened him rather than diminished him. In July this year, he became the oldest player - at 36 years and 200 days - to win a Super 1000 title, beating France's Toma Junior Popov in a gruelling 64-minute final at the China Open. Behind Chou’s unwavering commitment, match fitness and agile movement is Victoria Kao, his longtime physiotherapist and biggest supporter. During every interval, she is at his side, sprinting courtside with whatever he needs - a sports drink, a towel, a change of shirt or a quick massage to keep his body going. Despite being with Chou for 14 years now, even Victoria finds it hard to comprehend how he continues to maintain such incredible consistency. It is natural to be intrigued, especially when many players train hard and remain dedicated to the game, yet see their sharpness wane and eventually struggle to match the speed and agility of youngsters - but not Chou, who is chasing history as he bids to become the first Chinese Taipei player to win World Championships gold. "I think that is amazing grace. I think it is magic. Miracle. I want to say miracle," she emphasised in response to a question from Sports Now. An elated Victoria Kao - Chou Tien Chen’s biggest support at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi - poses for a photo in the mixed zone. Photo: Sudipta Biswas/Times Now But even Chou, for all his greatness, is not immune to self-doubt. That is where Victoria’s role becomes crucial.