PV Sindhu Celebrates Unique Indian Solutions for BWF Championships

As the Badminton World Federation Championships approach, PV Sindhu commends the 'uniquely Indian' solutions being implemented to ensure a successful event in New Delhi. She emphasizes the hard work behind the scenes and the warmth of Indian hospitality. The Badminton Association of India assures improved conditions after past criticisms, promising a better experience for players. With exciting matchups ahead, including Sindhu's potential clashes against top competitors, the anticipation builds for this prestigious tournament. Read on to discover more about the draws and prospects for Indian players.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 11, 2026, 09:41 IST

Sindhu Praises 'Uniquely Indian' Initiatives

PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist and former world champion, expressed her admiration for the 'uniquely Indian' efforts being made to ensure the successful hosting of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Championships in New Delhi. In response to a journalist's post about using langur sounds to deter monkeys from the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, where the event will take place, Sindhu acknowledged that while the solution might seem amusing, the overall effort deserves recognition. She highlighted the 'warmth, spirit, and hospitality' that India will showcase during the tournament.

Sindhu shared on X, "You can laugh at the solution, but you have to love the effort. So many people are working behind the scenes to ensure India is ready to welcome the world. Our solutions may be uniquely Indian, but so are our warmth, our spirit, and our hospitality. Can't wait for the badminton world to experience it all in Delhi. See you soon!"

BAI Promises Enhanced Conditions Following Criticism

The BWF Championships are scheduled to occur at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from August 17 to 23. This venue previously hosted the India Open in January, which faced backlash from players regarding subpar conditions, including issues with bird droppings and monkey sightings during matches. Notably, world number two Anders Antonsen withdrew for the third consecutive year due to 'extreme pollution', while Danish player Mia Blitchfeldt labeled the conditions as 'unacceptable and highly unprofessional', making it difficult to concentrate on performance.

During a media tour of the stadium, Sanjay Mishra, the general secretary of the Badminton Association of India (BAI), assured that the problems experienced during the India Open would not recur. He stated, "We are satisfied with the arrangements. Measures have been taken to rectify the issues from the India Open, and I believe the BWF is now confident that no such problems will arise during the World Championships. This is a significant event—not just for badminton fans but a source of immense pride for the nation—marking the return of the Badminton World Championships after seventeen years. While badminton enthusiasts are excited, I believe fans of other sports are also eager for the matches to commence."

Draws and Expectations for Indian Athletes

In a thrilling first-round matchup, Ayush Shetty, the Asian Championships silver medalist, will face defending champion and top seed Shi Yuqi from China. In men's doubles, the fifth-seeded duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will receive a bye in the opening round and will compete against the winners of the match between Scotland's Alexander Dunn and Adam Pringle and Thailand's Chaloempon Charoenkitamorn and Worrapol Thongsa-Nga.

India aims to secure multiple medals on home soil, with particular attention on five-time world championships medalist PV Sindhu, who recently regained form by winning the Japan Open. Sindhu has managed to avoid facing world number one An Se Young from South Korea and defending champion Akane Yamaguchi from Japan until the medal rounds. Although she is in the same half as Young, Sindhu is expected to meet China's third seed Wang Zhi Yi in the pre-quarterfinals, with a potential quarterfinal clash against sixth seed Putri Wardani from Indonesia.

For Satwik and Chirag, their first significant challenge may come from the 12th-seeded Indonesian pair of Raymond Indra and Nikolaus Joaquin, who reached the finals of the Indonesia Open in June. In mixed doubles, the 15th-seeded Indian team of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto will also receive a bye in the first round, with their first major test likely in the round of 16 against sixth seeds Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui from China.

Their fellow competitors Rohan Kapoor and G Ruthvika Shivani will face Canada's Jonathan Lai and Crystal Lai, with top seeds Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping from China awaiting them in the second round. In women's doubles, two-time All England semi-finalists Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly will compete against Spain's Paula Lopez and Lucia Rodriguez in the first round, with the USA's 16th seeds Lauren Lam and Allison Lee waiting for them in the next round.

Debutants Simran Singhi and Kavipriya Selvam will start their campaign against Nikol Carulla and Carmen Jimenez from Spain, and if successful, they will face five-time European champions Gabriela Stoeva and Stefani Stoeva in the second round. The second Indian men's doubles pair, MR Arjun and Hariharan, will begin their journey against Ireland's Scott Guildea and Paul Reynolds.