By Lakshmi Jyothish
The Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi is set to host the next Badminton World Championships in August 2026 as announced by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Tuesday. This marks India’s return as a host after 17 years. Considered badminton’s most prestigious tournament, this event will bring together the world’s top shuttlers across five categories.
The decision was confirmed during the closing ceremony of the 2025 championships in Paris. India,with its growing influence in world badminton, was chosen for its proven organisational capacity and expanding fan base. The Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, which has hosted the Commonwealth Games and several international badminton events, will serve as the main venue.
Crowning world champions across singles, doubles and mixed doubles, the tournament was held first in 1977 with Badminton World Championships being held every three years from 1983 until it became a biennial event till 2005.
India has been a consistent contender at the tournament, winning at least one medal at every edition since 2011. In total, Indian shuttlers have secured 15 medals- including one gold, four silver and 10 bronze.
Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur called the announcement a “landmark moment for Indian sport,” highlighting that it reflects the country’s global standing in badminton. He added that the tournament will not only encourage young players but will also inspire India to host more international sporting events in the future.
India’s badminton stars, including two-time Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu and Commonwealth Games champion Lakshya Sen will lead the challenge.
PV Sindhu, who won gold at the 2019 edition, said that hosting the championships would be a proud opportunity to play in front of home fans.
Organisers have announced that preparations will focus on upgrading facilities, ensuring smooth logistics, and offering state of the art amenities for athletes and spectators.
With the rise in the sport’s popularity in India and badminton television audiences at an all-time high, the 2026 championships is predicted to draw record-breaking crowds and global viewership.