New Delhi, August 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Badminton World Federation (BWF) President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul has praised India’s passionate badminton fans and the country’s hosting of the BWF World Championships 2026, saying India “opened its heart to the world” during the prestigious tournament in New Delhi.
Patama highlighted the enthusiasm and knowledge of Indian fans and said the warmth extended to the global badminton community made the championships a memorable occasion.
“I am proud of the fans in India, who know this sport and cheer with real knowledge. And I am proud of a country that opened its heart to the world,” Patama said in an official statement released on Sunday.
The championships returned to India after 17 years, with Patama saying the event had earned appreciation across the badminton community.
“What a week New Delhi has given us. India waited 17 years for this moment, and India made every year count. The BWF World Championships 2026 have won praise from every corner of our sport,” she said.
The BWF president credited the Badminton Association of India (BAI), the Government of India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India for their contributions to staging the tournament.
She also acknowledged the efforts of volunteers, technical officials, sponsors and partners, whose work behind the scenes helped ensure the smooth conduct of the championships.
Patama said the facilities and arrangements for players and team officials were equally important, noting that good accommodation, reliable transport and suitable training and competition conditions were widely appreciated.
India also enjoyed notable success on court. Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won a historic bronze medal in women’s doubles after reaching the semifinals, becoming only the second Indian women’s doubles pair to claim a World Championships medal.
In men’s singles, Ayush Shetty produced a major upset by defeating defending champion and world No. 1 Shi Yuqi in the opening round.
Patama said the tournament’s most lasting impact could be on young fans inspired by watching the world’s leading players.
“Yet beyond the medals and the matches, I will remember the children most. Many of them came to see the finest players in the world. Some held a racket for the first time. One or two may return one day to collect a medal of their own,” she said.
“That is what a great host leaves behind. Not only a tournament, but a beginning. Thank you, India,” she added.
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