India Set to Host 2026 BWF World Badminton Championships: A Milestone for Indian Sports

A Proud Moment for Indian Badminton

New Delhi, July 18: Trupti Murgunde, a former national champion and recipient of the Dhyan Chand Award, expressed her pride in India hosting the 2026 BWF World Badminton Championships, highlighting its significance for both the badminton community and Indian sports as a whole.

Reflecting on the 2009 championships held in Hyderabad, she noted how the event showcased India's rising prominence in the badminton world, recalling how even Chinese players began to recognize Indian talents like Saina Nehwal.

Scheduled from August 17 to August 23 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, this championship will see participation from over 55 countries and nearly 800 athletes, marking its return to India after 17 years and its inaugural event in the national capital.

"This is a moment of great pride for all of us in the badminton community and the broader Indian sports fraternity. It’s been 17 years since we last hosted this event. I participated in the 2009 edition, and I remember how Chinese players were curious about our stars like Saina and Shruti, which was a significant shift from the past when we looked up to them," Murgunde shared.

Preparations Underway for a Prestigious Event

Sanjay Mishra, General Secretary of the Badminton Association of India (BAI), described the upcoming championships as a prestigious occasion, noting that preparations are progressing well following a successful test event.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Sports Ministry and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in upgrading the venue, stating that the tournament will feature players from 56 countries, with 11 Indian athletes qualifying for the championships.

"This is a highly esteemed event, and we are thrilled. After conducting a test event, we identified areas for improvement. In about 15 to 20 days, we will showcase the enhancements made. The Sports Ministry and SAI have put in tremendous effort, and you will see a transformed venue. We expect 56 countries, 461 players, and around 150 to 160 officials. From India, 11 entries have qualified for the World Championships," Mishra explained.

Attracting Global Talent

Omar Rashid, Joint Secretary of BAI, emphasized the scale of the event, stating that the BWF World Badminton Championships in New Delhi will draw the best players from around the globe, with over 400 athletes and numerous support staff expected during the week-long competition.

"The BAI previously organized this event in Hyderabad about seven to ten years ago, and now we are set to host it again in New Delhi. Most top players will participate, with over 400 players and technical officials, including physiotherapists and doctors, expected by the semifinals. The event will run from August 17 to 23, culminating in the finals on the last day," Rashid noted.

Significance for Indian Badminton

Pullela Gopichand, the chief coach of the Indian national badminton team, welcomed the opportunity to host the 2026 BWF World Badminton Championships, calling it a pivotal moment for the sport.

He highlighted the importance of the World Championships and the upcoming Asian Games for Indian badminton, expressing optimism that strong medal contenders and home support will enhance India's chances.

"I’m delighted that Delhi is hosting this prestigious event. With the World Championships followed by the Asian Games, the next two months are crucial for Indian badminton. Having players like Sindhu reach the finals in Japan, along with Lakshya, Ayush, Satwik, and Chirag as strong medal contenders, is promising. The home crowd and familiar conditions will undoubtedly benefit the players," Gopichand stated.

India's Contingent for the Championships

Two-time Olympic medallist and former world champion PV Sindhu will lead a 10-member Indian team at the 2026 BWF World Championships.

India will have two direct entrants in each category. In men’s singles, Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty have qualified, while Sindhu will be joined by rising star Unnati Hooda in women’s singles.

The top-ranked entry for India is the men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who qualified fourth overall, with Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun taking the second men’s doubles spot.

In women’s doubles, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, ranked 30th, will lead India’s challenge alongside Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi.

In mixed doubles, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto qualified 21st, while Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde secured the second Indian spot.

Several Indian shuttlers, including world championship medallists Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy, are also on reserve lists.