PV Sindhu India (AP/PTI)
New Delhi: Fifty days from now, the world’s best badminton players will step into the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi for the Badminton Federation World Championships from August 17-23, returning to Indian soil for the first time since Hyderabad hosted the event in 2009.
For badminton in the country, this is much more than just another major tournament. It’s a celebration of a wonderful journey.Seventeen years ago, when Hyderabad staged the World Championships, Indian badminton largely revolved around one name – Saina Nehwal. Olympic medals were still a dream, world titles seemed out of reach, and 14-year-old PV Sindhu was quietly training at the Pullela Gopichand Academy.
Few could have predicted the transformation that would come next.The breakthrough came in 2011 when Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa won the women’s doubles bronze, ending India’s 28-year wait for a world medal. It was, as a result, a change in perceptions and signaled the arrival of a new force in the world of badminton.Then the milestones came in quick succession. Saina became the first Indian to win a silver medal at the World Championships and the country’s first world No. 1 player. Sindhu has taken Indian badminton to a whole other level, winning five World Championship medals before making history in Basel in 2019 as the country’s first world champion.
But India’s rise is no longer about one or two stars.Kidambi Srikanth reached world number one, Lakshya Sen bagged world bronze,
HS Prannoy
He joined the podium in 2023, while Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and
Chirag Shetty
He emerged as one of the best men’s doubles pairs in the world. The crowning achievement came in 2022 when India lifted the Thomas Trophy, becoming only the sixth country to win the prestigious title.The numbers tell the story of this turnaround: since 2011, India has won 14 world medals, finishing on the podium in every edition until 2025 – an extraordinary medal streak of 11 editions.For Sindhu, the return of the Worlds to India holds special meaning. “Some of my most memorable moments and proudest achievements have come on this stage,” she told TOI. “Hosting the World Championships after 17 years is a historic moment and a reflection of how far the sport has come in our country.”Sen believes competing at home brings a different energy. “Indian badminton has grown tremendously over the years and hosting the World Championships after 17 years is a proud moment for everyone associated with the sport,” he told this publication.For youngster Aayush Shetty, who is set to make his first World Championship appearance, the occasion is a dream come true. “When I was growing up, the World Championships was one of the tournaments I always looked forward to watching. Like every young badminton player, I dreamed of getting a chance to compete on this stage one day. Making my debut at the World Championships, and doing so when India is hosting this event after 17 years, is very special,” he said.Ponnappa, who featured in the 2009 edition and later became part of India’s historic bronze medal feat in 2011, sees the event as a reflection of the evolution of the sport.
“Badminton in India has developed tremendously since then. It is a tremendous opportunity for our players and a special occasion for the fans to watch the best competition in the world on their home soil,” she said.Prannoy, who vividly remembers watching the stars of the game in Hyderabad in 2009, hopes New Delhi will inspire another generation. “I am sure that this year’s World Championship will give young players the same amazing experience and make many of them dream of playing this sport,” he said.In numbers— 14World Championship medals won by India (2011–2025)— 11Consecutive editions with at least one Indian medal (2011-2025)— 1World championPV Sindhu (2019) – India’s first and only world champion.— 3Indian World No. 1Saina Nehwal (women’s singles)Kidambi Srikanth (men’s singles)Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty (Men’s Doubles)— 2011A historic year for Indian badmintonJwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa won the women’s doubles bronze, ending India’s 28-year wait for a World Championship medal.— 18 years oldSindhu became the youngest Indian to win a medal at a World Championship(Bronze, 2013)— 31 years oldHS Prannoy became India’s oldest debutant World Championship medalist(Bronze, 2023)–17 years oldThe World Championship returns to India after a wait of 17 yearsFrom Hyderabad 2009 to New Delhi 2026