New Delhi : Badminton World Federation (BWF) President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul has praised India’s hosting of the BWF World Championships 2026, describing the tournament as an exceptional week for the sport and lauding the country for delivering the event to the highest international standards.
In a message following the championships, Leeswadtrakul said India had waited 17 years for the opportunity to host the prestigious tournament and had “made every year count”.
She 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 the successful conduct of the championships.
“The BWF World Championships 2026 have won praise from every corner of our sport,” the BWF President said, adding that the recognition belonged to the people who worked behind the scenes to make the tournament possible.
Leeswadtrakul particularly praised the arena constructed by India for the championships, saying the country had built a facility worthy of badminton’s biggest stage within a demanding timeline.
She also acknowledged the contribution of volunteers and technical officials, who she said worked long hours with professionalism, pride and dedication.
The BWF President expressed gratitude to sponsors and partners for their support, noting that their trust had helped make the championships possible.
She said the tournament maintained high international standards from the opening day through the final match, with schedules running smoothly and integrity measures continuing throughout the competition.
The global reach of the championships was also highlighted, with Leeswadtrakul noting that broadcasters carried the action to hundreds of millions of homes around the world.
However, she said the players remained at the heart of the tournament and praised the arrangements made for them, including hotels, transport and facilities that enabled players and team officials to prepare comfortably.
“Players and team officials praised our courts, our conditions and everything around them. That matters more than anything,” she said.
Congratulating the champions and runners-up, Leeswadtrakul praised the performances witnessed throughout the championships and acknowledged the players and officials who contributed to the tournament’s memorable storylines.
She also highlighted the wider social impact of hosting the event, saying families found comfort at the venue while children were introduced to badminton and could potentially develop a lifelong connection with the sport.
Reflecting on the response from Indian fans, the BWF President said she was proud of the country’s supporters, describing them as knowledgeable and passionate about badminton.
She also praised India for opening its heart to the world and said the experience went beyond medals and matches.
“Yet beyond the medals and the matches, I will remember the children most,” Leeswadtrakul said, noting that many young spectators had come to watch some of the world’s finest players and that some may one day return to win medals themselves.
“That is what a great host leaves behind. Not only a tournament, but a beginning,” she said.
Concluding her message, the BWF President thanked India for hosting the championships and for creating an experience she described as memorable for players, fans and the wider badminton community.
