New Delhi set to host BWF World Championships from 17 August

MUMBAI: The shuttle is about to fly, and New Delhi is ready for the world to watch. The capital will host the BWF World Championships 2026 from 17 to 23 August at the iconic Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, bringing the sport’s leading players together for one of badminton’s biggest global competitions.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said the championships mark another milestone in India’s growing role as a host of major international sporting events. The tournament is being staged by the Badminton Association of India in partnership with the Badminton World Federation, the Government of India, the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi and other stakeholders.

For India, the week-long event is about more than medals and match points. The IOA said hosting a championship of this scale is expected to provide international exposure to Indian athletes, coaches, technical officials, administrators and volunteers, while strengthening the country’s ability to deliver major sporting competitions.

The event also comes as India seeks to expand its footprint as a destination for continental and world championships across sports. The IOA said continued investment in sports infrastructure, athlete development, high-performance programmes and international event hosting has helped strengthen India’s position on the global sporting stage.

Dr P T Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, said the championships represent an important milestone in India’s sporting journey and would reinforce the country’s commitment to the Olympic Movement and development of sport.

“Every major international event hosted in India creates a lasting legacy,” Usha said, pointing to the opportunities such events create for athletes, coaches, technical officials and sports administrators to learn from global competitors and build expertise.

The home challenge will add another layer of interest, with two-time Olympic medallist and former World Champion P V Sindhu leading India’s hopes. The host nation will look to its players to make the most of home support as the world’s leading badminton talent descends on the capital.

The IOA said the championships will also help inspire young Indians to take up sport, while creating opportunities for the next generation of sporting talent to experience an international competition at home.

Behind the scenes, organisers have been working to deliver what the IOA described as a world-class competition and experience for athletes, officials, media and spectators. The association said it will continue working with the government, National Sports Federations, State Olympic Associations and international sporting bodies to bring more major events to India.

As the shuttlecocks take flight from 17 August, the BWF World Championships will put both badminton’s global stars and India’s growing sporting ambitions under the same spotlight.