The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formally welcomed the global badminton community to New Delhi for the BWF World Championships 2026, scheduled from 17 to 23 August at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. The IOA described the event as a reaffirmation of India's commitment to the Olympic Movement and the broader development of sport on the world stage.

A Milestone for Indian Sport Hosting

The BWF World Championships rank among badminton's most prestigious competitions, drawing the sport's top-ranked players, officials, and fans from across the globe. For India, the event marks another significant step in its emergence as a trusted destination for major international sporting competitions.

The Badminton Association of India (BAI), in partnership with the Badminton World Federation (BWF), the Government of India, the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and other stakeholders, has worked extensively to ensure world-class infrastructure and an exceptional experience for athletes, officials, media, and spectators throughout the championships.

What IOA President P. T. Usha Said

P. T. Usha, president of the Indian Olympic Association, said, 'The BWF World Championships 2026 represent another important 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 these championships further reinforce our commitment to the Olympic Movement and the development of sport.'

Usha added that every major international event hosted in India 'creates a lasting legacy,' strengthening the sporting ecosystem, inspiring young people to pursue excellence, and providing 'invaluable opportunities for our athletes, coaches, technical officials and sports administrators to learn from and engage with the very best in the world.'

India's Broader Sporting Ambition

The IOA noted that the championships align with India's wider vision of becoming a preferred destination for continental and world championships across multiple sports. Officials pointed to sustained investments in sports infrastructure, athlete development, high-performance programmes, and international event hosting as drivers of the country's rising global sporting profile.

Notably, the successful hosting of the event also reflects the continued support of the Government of India, with the IOA crediting the country's political leadership for strengthening the national sporting ecosystem. This is part of a longer arc — India has hosted several marquee sporting events in recent years, steadily building organisational credibility on the world stage.

P. V. Sindhu to Lead Home Challenge

On the competition front, hopes are high for the Indian contingent, spearheaded by P. V. Sindhu — a two-time Olympic medallist and former World Champion. Sindhu will carry the weight of home expectations as the host nation looks to perform before a passionate domestic crowd at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

The IOA reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Government of India, National Sports Federations, State Olympic Associations, and international sporting organisations to attract more world-class events to the country. As the championships get underway, all eyes will be on both India's organisational execution and its athletes' performance on the court.