New Delhi, 13 August (H.S.):

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has welcomed badminton players, officials and fans from across the world for the BWF World Championships 2026, scheduled to be held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi from August 17 to 23.

Bringing the world’s top badminton players together on a single platform, the championship is among the most prestigious competitions in the sport. With India hosting the event, the country has taken another significant step towards establishing itself as a reliable and capable host for major international sporting events.

In an official statement on Thursday, the IOA said the successful hosting of the championship reflects the continued support of the Government of India and the efforts being made under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen the country’s sporting ecosystem and position India as a global sporting nation. Through sustained investment in sports infrastructure, athlete development, high-performance programmes and the hosting of international sporting events, India has further consolidated its position on the global sporting stage.

Hosting international events of this stature in India not only showcases the country’s organisational capabilities but also inspires the younger generation to take up sports. At the same time, it provides athletes and officials with an opportunity to gain international-level experience and helps create a lasting legacy for future generations.

Indian Olympic Association President P.T. Usha said, “The BWF World Championships 2026 mark another significant milestone in India’s sporting journey. We are delighted to welcome the world’s leading badminton players, officials and fans to New Delhi. India has consistently demonstrated its ability to host major international sporting events to the highest standards, and this championship further strengthens our commitment to the Olympic Movement and the development of sport.”

She added, “Every major international sporting event hosted in India creates a lasting legacy. It strengthens our sporting ecosystem, inspires young people to strive for excellence and provides our athletes, coaches, technical officials and sports administrators with invaluable opportunities to learn from and engage with the best in the world. We are confident that everyone visiting India will experience the warmth, hospitality, professionalism and passion for sport that the country has to offer.”

The Badminton Association of India (BAI), in coordination with the Badminton World Federation (BWF), the Government of India, the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi and other stakeholders, has made extensive preparations for the successful conduct of the championship. The objective is to ensure a world-class competition and an enhanced experience for athletes, officials, the media and spectators.

The IOA said it remains committed to working with the Government of India, national sports federations, state Olympic associations and international sporting organisations to bring more world-class sporting events to the country. Such events create new opportunities for athletes, technical officials, administrators, volunteers and the next generation of sporting talent.

P.V. Sindhu to Lead India’s Challenge

Indian athletes are also expected to put up a strong performance in front of the home crowd. Two-time Olympic medallist and former world champion P.V. Sindhu will spearhead India’s challenge at the championship. The hosts will be hoping that Sindhu and the other Indian players can capitalise on home conditions and strong support from the spectators to deliver an impressive performance.

The IOA said the championship will provide Indian athletes, coaches, technical officials, event managers and volunteers with invaluable exposure to competition at the highest international level. This will further strengthen the expertise and experience required to host major international sporting events in India in the future.

The championship will also bolster India’s capacity to host major global sporting events. The IOA reiterated its commitment to working with its partners to ensure that sport continues to play a significant role in inspiring sporting excellence, promoting international friendship and advancing India’s efforts to emerge as one of the world’s leading sporting nations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar