Former Indian badminton player Trupti Murgunde has described India's hosting of the BWF World Championships 2026 as 'an extremely proud moment,' saying the tournament's return to the country after 17 years reflects India's remarkable rise as a global sporting nation. The event begins on 17 August at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi — only the second time India has hosted the prestigious competition.

India's Second Hosting, 17 Years On

The last time India staged the BWF World Championships was in 2009, when Hyderabad served as the host city. Murgunde herself competed at that edition, making her perspective on the 2026 New Delhi tournament particularly significant. 'It's an extremely proud moment for the Indian sporting fraternity that we have got it again after 17 years,' she said.

This comes amid a broader surge in India's appetite for hosting marquee international events, spanning cricket, athletics, and now badminton at the highest level.

A Decade of Indian Sporting Growth

Murgunde pointed to the last 8 to 10 years as a transformative period for Indian sport. 'The last 8 to 10 years of Indian sports have been fantastic. We've seen amazing results coming in multiple events as well as getting all these kinds of international events. It is really imperative right now and essential,' she said.

She also referenced Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya's stated ambition to attract international competitions across all disciplines to India — a policy push that has gained visible momentum in recent years.

What It Means for Young Indian Shuttlers

The 2006 Commonwealth Games medallist was emphatic about the opportunity the tournament presents for India's next generation of players. With India fielding a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, Murgunde believes competing on home soil at a World Championships is an unmatched platform.

'For the upcoming players, it is the best platform, I would say, because you're getting a fantastic opportunity to showcase your talent, your performances in your home ground,' she said.

She also highlighted the intangible advantage of home-crowd support. 'When you are playing on the home ground, it's a very different atmosphere. We've seen that when the India Open happens, or any other major events are happening in India. It always makes a huge difference,' Murgunde noted.

The Lasting Impact of Home Events

Beyond the immediate competitive opportunity, Murgunde argued that hosting events like the World Championships creates a lasting impression on young athletes. 'For the youngsters, having these events more and more in your own country makes it much easier and better for them. That effect stays on for a long time,' she added.

Notably, India's badminton infrastructure and depth have grown considerably since 2009, with players like PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy establishing the country as a consistent force on the global circuit — making the timing of this hosting particularly apt.

The BWF World Championships 2026 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium will be closely watched as both a competitive milestone and a statement of India's growing stature in world badminton.