The badminton women's singles tournament at the 2012 Olympic Games in London took place from 28 July to 4 August at Wembley Arena. The draw was held on 23 July 2012. Forty-six players from 42 nations competed. In an all-Chinese final, Li Xuerui defeated reigning World Number 1 Wang Yihan to win the gold medal. India's Saina Nehwal took bronze after the injury-forced withdrawal of China's Wang Xin. This was the first medal of any colour for India in Olympic badminton.