India's Rise as a Badminton Powerhouse: A 17-Year Journey

India will host the World Badminton Championships at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, marking the second time the country has held this event since Hyderabad in 2009. Over the past 17 years, badminton has significantly increased in popularity and participation in India, becoming the second-most played sport in the country.

Currently, 43% of Indians follow badminton, and 32% actively participate in it. The sport's commercial growth is evident, with India hosting four BWF World Tour tournaments annually, including the India Open, which reached 403 million potential viewers in 2024.

Since 2011, Indian players have consistently won medals at the World Championships, showcasing the country's evolution from individual stars to a multi-discipline contender. Notable achievements include PV Sindhu's five medals and the emergence of para-badminton, with over 1,000 athletes in training and significant international success. The upcoming championships in New Delhi reflect India's established status as a major player in the global badminton landscape.