Countdown for World Badminton begins

NEW DELHI, June 28: With 50 days to go until the BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) on Sunday began the official countdown to badminton's biggest tournament. The competition, which is returned to India after 17 years, is scheduled to begin on August 17 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Delhi and will feature participation of 800 players, team officials, support staff and technical officials from more than 55 countries.
BAI President, Himanta Biswa Sarma, described the return of the BWF World Championships as a defining moment. "The BWF World Championships is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable progress of Indian badminton, showcase India's capability to deliver a world-class sporting event, and reinforce our commitment to building a stronger sporting ecosystem. It also reflects the growing confidence of the international sporting community in India's ability to host events of the highest standard.”
The 30th edition of the Championships will bring together the world's elite across all five disciplines: Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. “I am confident this Championship will leave a lasting legacy for badminton, inspire many more young Indians to dream big, and further strengthen our journey towards becoming a leading sporting nation,” he added.
Returning to the host role as an established force, India welcomes the global elite on the heels of an unprecedented golden era. Since 2011, India has won at least one medal at every single edition of the BWF World Championships, amassing 14 medals across 11 consecutive editions, a record in consistency matched only by China.
Two-time Olympic and five-time World Championships medalist PV Sindhu, whose historic 2019 Basel gold remains the centerpiece of India's World Championship legacy, expressed her excitement for the home tournament.
“The World Championships have been one of the most special tournaments of my career. Some of my most memorable moments, toughest lessons and proudest achievements have come on this stage. To have the opportunity to play the World Championships in India, in front of our own fans, makes it even more meaningful. It's not often that you get to compete for a world title at home, and I'm really looking forward to experiencing that atmosphere and giving my best for everyone who has supported me through the years. For Indian badminton, hosting the World Championships after 17 years is a landmark moment and a reflection of how far the sport has come in our country," said Sindhu.