BWF World Championships 2026 begin in New Delhi from August 17 to 23. PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen and Satwik-Chirag lead India’s medal hopes on home soil.
New Delhi: The 2026 BWF World Championships officially began in New Delhi on Monday, bringing the world’s leading badminton players to India for one of the biggest events on the international badminton calendar. The tournament is being held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from August 17 to 23 and marks the return of the World Championships to India after a 17-year gap.
The 30th edition of the prestigious tournament has generated significant excitement among Indian badminton fans, with several home stars expected to lead the country’s medal challenge. PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen and the men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are among the biggest names carrying India’s hopes on home soil.
PV Sindhu Chases Historic Sixth Medal
Former world champion PV Sindhu is one of the biggest attractions of the tournament. The ninth-seeded Indian enters the competition with five World Championships medals already to her name, including her historic gold in 2019.
Sindhu is now targeting a record sixth World Championships medal, which would further strengthen her position among the most successful players in the history of the competition. She began her campaign on the opening day against Ireland’s Sophia Noble.
Lakshya Sen and Young Stars in Focus
Lakshya Sen will spearhead India’s men’s singles challenge. The Indian shuttler faces a competitive field featuring several of the world’s leading players.
Rising star Ayush Shetty is another player attracting attention. His participation adds a youthful dimension to India’s men’s singles campaign and gives Indian fans another player to watch during the tournament.
Satwik-Chirag Target Maiden World Title
In men’s doubles, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, seeded fifth, will be among India’s strongest medal contenders. The Asian Games champions have previously won World Championships bronze medals and are now aiming to go a step further and claim their first world title.
However, Satwik has been dealing with a recurring shoulder issue, adding an element of uncertainty to the pair’s campaign. Despite the concern, the duo remains focused on maintaining its aggressive, attacking style.
Tournament Runs Until August 23
The championships will feature competitions across men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles, with the finals scheduled for August 23.
The return of the BWF World Championships to India is also being viewed as a reflection of the country’s growing stature in global badminton. India last hosted the event in Hyderabad in 2009.
With home support, experienced champions and emerging talents in the squad, Indian badminton fans will be hoping the 2026 World Championships produce another memorable chapter in the country’s growing international success.
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