Badminton Association of India (BAI) Secretary General Sanjay Mishra on Saturday, 18 July expressed strong confidence in India's emerging shuttlers, stating that the federation's structured investments in grassroots coaching, sports science, and junior development are designed to deliver sustained global competitiveness over the next few years.

Mishra spoke at the official mascot and anthem launch of the BWF World Championships 2026 at The Lalit, New Delhi, where he outlined a multi-pronged talent pipeline that goes well beyond the current generation of stars.

The Next Gen Names to Watch

Mishra specifically highlighted Rounak Chouhan, Unnati Hooda, and Tanvi Sharma as young players already making an impression on the international circuit. He pointed to Chouhan's recent result at the US Open, where the youngster defeated the world number 6, as evidence of the talent coming through the ranks.

'Yeah, of course, like our younger players like Rounak Chouhan, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, they are really doing well, and Rounak, in the US Open, beat world number 6. So, they are our future champions. So, no doubt, we are confident that our new generation is very good and they will perform,' Mishra said.

He also identified Ayush Shetty as a key link in India's succession chain, placing him between established ace Lakshya Sen and the upcoming Chouhan. 'Yeah, he is very good; he is very talented, and I think after Lakshya, Ayush, and then after Ayush, Rounak, so we have good juniors. So, we are confident that Indian badminton is going well,' he added.

Grassroots Coaching at the Core

Mishra was emphatic that the BAI's definition of progress extends beyond medal tallies. The federation is running coaches' development programmes, technical officials' training, and grassroots coaching initiatives, recognising that foundational skills determine long-term player quality.

'For grassroots coaches, we are doing it because players are okay, but grassroots coaching is more important because of the basics... we are looking after all the fields — not only for players, for technical officials, for coaches, for physios, for SNCs (Strength and Conditioning), so we are doing that,' he said.

Sports Science and Injury Management

Addressing recurring injury concerns among top Indian players, Mishra confirmed that the BAI has significantly expanded its support infrastructure. He noted that leading pairs such as Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty now travel with a dedicated entourage of four to five support staff — including a coach, physiotherapist, trainer, and manager.

'Nowadays, for one player or for two players, like for Satwik and Chirag, one coach, one physio, one trainer, one manager, so four or five members they are travelling with a pair. So, like that, we are supporting 100%, and we are trying to develop our SNC, and I mean sports science; we are working on sports science also,' he stated.

Guwahati National Centre: The Junior Launchpad

Mishra pointed to the National Centre (NC) in Guwahati — dedicated exclusively to junior players — as a key structural investment. He said the centre, which became operational around August–September 2023, has already begun shaping under-15, under-17, and under-19 players under quality coaching.

'After NC, Guwahati, that is for juniors only... our juniors are really coming up, under 15, 17 and 19 players are there and they are playing together, coaches are very good, so I think now next 2-3 years we will see the changes and our juniors will be better and good to go,' he said.

BWF World Championships 2026: The Immediate Stage

India will host the 30th edition of the BWF World Championships in New Delhi from 17 to 23 August. The event provides both a showcase for Indian badminton's current strength and a near-term test of how much of the junior pipeline is ready to perform under global pressure. The BAI is hoping its long-term talent investments translate into podium results at the sport's most prestigious event in the years ahead.