Five Underdogs to Watch at the BWF World Championships 2026
Introduction to the BWF World Championships
The BWF World Championships are known for their thrilling upsets, where emerging talents can make a name for themselves. As New Delhi gears up to host the event from August 17-23, a fresh wave of players is set to challenge the established stars. The BWF has highlighted five underdogs who possess the skills and momentum to create surprises at the 2026 Championships.
1. Ayush Shetty (India) - Men's Singles
Ayush Shetty, a promising 20-year-old from Karnataka, has had a remarkable year, recently clinching the US Open Super 300 title in 2025. He further showcased his talent by reaching the finals of the 2026 Badminton Asia Championships, defeating three top-10 players along the way, including Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the silver medallist from the Paris Olympics.
This will be Ayush's first experience at the World Championships, where he will face world-class competitors in every round. His height and attacking style, combined with the support of local fans in New Delhi, could propel him to a significant performance.
2. Unnati Hooda (India) - Women's Singles
At just 18 years old, Unnati Hooda has quickly risen to prominence in Indian badminton. She has achieved notable victories against seasoned players and is now ranked in the BWF Women's Singles Top 20, joining the ranks of Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu.
The women's singles category is highly competitive, featuring top players like An Se-young and Chen Yufei. Despite being a newcomer to the World Championships, Unnati has proven her capability by defeating PV Sindhu at the 2025 China Open and World No. 11 Supanida Katethong at the 2026 Badminton Asia Championships. With her recent successes and home crowd support, she could surprise many.
3. Alwi Farhan (Indonesia) - Men's Singles
Alwi Farhan, a 20-year-old from Indonesia, has made headlines by winning the 2023 BWF World Junior Championships. He transitioned smoothly to the senior circuit, winning the 2025 Macau Open Super 300 and contributing to Indonesia's victory at the 2025 Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships.
Although still gaining experience, Alwi has shown he can compete at high levels, having defeated World No. 3 Anders Antonsen. His aggressive play and confidence could make him a formidable contender in New Delhi.
4. Tomoka Miyazaki (Japan) - Women's Singles
Tomoka Miyazaki, a 19-year-old from Japan, has quickly established herself as a top player after winning the 2022 BWF World Junior Championships. She has since won multiple titles, including the 2024 Orleans Masters and the 2025 Taipei Open, and has reached the finals of prestigious events.
Despite her success, she is still in search of her first World Championships medal. Competing against seasoned champions will be a challenge, but her speed and consistency make her a strong candidate for a surprise performance.
5. Kalyana Nalbantova (Bulgaria) - Women's Singles
Kalyana Nalbantova, at 20, is a two-time European Junior champion and has claimed several BWF International titles. She represented Bulgaria at the Paris 2024 Olympics and was part of the team that won the European Women's Team Championships.
Although she has yet to make a significant impact at the World Championships, her achievements and ability to compete with top players position her as a dark horse in the tournament. With her current momentum, she could surprise many in New Delhi.
Conclusion
The BWF World Championships are known for unexpected performances, and players like Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda, Alwi Farhan, Tomoka Miyazaki, and Kalyana Nalbantova have the potential to shine. Each of these athletes has demonstrated the skill and determination necessary to challenge the sport's elite, making them ones to watch in New Delhi.