New Delhi, August 10, 2026: With just days to go before the BWF World Championships 2026, the spotlight turned to the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi as members of the media were given a first-hand look at the venue and the preparations underway for one of badminton’s biggest global events.
The championships will take place from August 17 to 23, 2026, bringing the world’s leading badminton players to the Indian capital. The return of the BWF World Championships to India after 17 years makes the occasion particularly significant for the country’s badminton community.
The media tour provided an opportunity to see the venue ahead of the tournament and witness the extensive preparations being undertaken to create a world-class environment for players, officials, media and fans.
A transformed venue ready for the world
The Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium has undergone significant upgrades following the experience of the India Open earlier this year. The focus has been on strengthening venue infrastructure, improving playing conditions and ensuring a smoother experience throughout the championships.
Among the measures undertaken are inspection and waterproofing of the stadium roof, testing of the air-conditioning system and improvements to lighting. Organisers have also strengthened access and security arrangements, including a triple-door entry system, sealed access points and round-the-clock security.
These improvements were clearly part of the preparations visible as the media toured the stadium, reflecting the organisers’ determination to deliver an event that meets the highest international standards.
The venue had hosted the India Open in January, where concerns were raised over environmental and operational conditions. The upcoming World Championships have therefore provided an opportunity to address those concerns and demonstrate the significant progress made in the intervening months.
Countdown to a global badminton spectacle
The atmosphere around the stadium is building as New Delhi prepares to welcome players from across the world. The championships will feature the sport’s biggest names, including defending men’s singles champion Shi Yu Qi of China and defending women’s singles champion Akane Yamaguchi of Japan.
For India, the tournament represents an important moment on home soil. Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu will spearhead the Indian challenge in women’s singles, while a strong Indian contingent will look to make the most of home support.
The draw has already added further anticipation to the tournament, with Indian youngster Ayush Shetty handed a challenging opening-round assignment against world No. 1 and defending champion Shi Yu Qi.
Putting player welfare and spectator experience first
The preparations at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium extend beyond the competition court. With hundreds of athletes, officials, media representatives and spectators expected during the week-long championship, organisers have placed considerable emphasis on creating a safe, controlled and comfortable environment.
Measures to strengthen animal control, secure access points and maintain venue conditions are part of the broader effort to ensure that the focus remains firmly on the badminton.
The August timing is also expected to provide more favourable air-quality conditions than the winter period in which the India Open was held. BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund has said that the organisation is satisfied that appropriate measures have been implemented ahead of the championships.
India ready to showcase its badminton passion
For Indian badminton, hosting the World Championships in New Delhi is about more than staging another major tournament. It is an opportunity to showcase the country’s growing stature in the sport and its passionate fan base to a global audience.
The media tour offered an important glimpse of the work taking place behind the scenes as the stadium moves into the final phase of preparations. From venue infrastructure and playing conditions to security and operational arrangements, every element is being aligned ahead of the opening day.
With the countdown now entering its final days, the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium is preparing to take centre stage.
From August 17 to 23, the world’s best shuttlers will battle for badminton’s ultimate individual honours in New Delhi. For fans, players and the global badminton community, the wait is almost over.
The BWF World Championships 2026 are ready to begin — and New Delhi is ready to welcome the world.
