BWF World Championships 2026: Unveiling of Mascot and Anthem in New Delhi
Exciting Countdown to BWF World Championships 2026
Assam CM Sarma (centre) flanked by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and BWF World Championships mascot 'Peacko' at the launch in New Delhi (Photo - @himantabiswa / X)
Guwahati, July 18: With only 30 days remaining until the BWF World Championships 2026, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) officially introduced the tournament's mascot, "Peacko", along with its official anthem this past Saturday.
Scheduled to take place in New Delhi, the BWF World Championships 2026 will feature elite badminton players from around the globe competing for the prestigious world title.
The event is expected to attract over 400 athletes from 56 nations, alongside numerous officials, coaches, and support personnel.
During the mascot and anthem launch, BAI President Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed optimism that "Peacko" would become a lasting emblem of the championship, resonating with badminton enthusiasts worldwide.
"I hope our mascot becomes a symbol that fans instantly connect with," Sarma remarked while presenting the tournament's official branding.
Sarma characterized the event as a significant milestone for Indian sports, noting that the championship's return to India after 17 years signifies the country's rising prominence in global badminton and the sport's remarkable growth nationwide.
"Today marks a proud day for Indian badminton and sports in general. As we embark on the final 30-day countdown to the championships, we celebrate not just the return of the World Championships to India after 17 years, but also the ascent of badminton," he stated.
Reflecting on his presidency at BAI since 2017, Sarma mentioned the association's commitment to enhancing the badminton ecosystem through hosting major international events, fostering grassroots development, and establishing India as a leading badminton nation.
Describing badminton as "a people's sport", he emphasized its widespread popularity in schools, colleges, villages, parks, and communities, connecting people across generations.
Sarma also pointed out India's impressive achievements on the global stage, including producing world champions, winning the historic Thomas Cup, earning the country's first medal at the BWF World Junior Championships, and becoming one of the most reliable hosts for the Badminton World Federation.
"Our current stars, including Lakshya Sen, Chirag Shetty, and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, along with the 16-member Indian team, are elevating that legacy to new heights," he added.
He further noted that after successfully hosting the BWF World Junior Championships in 2025, India is now prepared to host the BWF World Championships 2026, reaffirming its ability to organize world-class sporting events and paving the way for more international badminton competitions in the future.