For years, Indian badminton fans were deprived of serious badminton action with the India Open being the only international tournament for them to attend. But the scenario is quickly evolving for badminton in India. In a report by RevSportz, it was confirmed by the BAI that Premier Badminton League, a franchise-based league that saw its last edition in 2020, will be revived post the 2026 Asian Games.
Now it has also been confirmed that the BWF World Championship will return to India for the second time after 2009. The prestigious global tournament is returning to Asia after an 8-year long wait. The last time the tournament was held in the continent was in China in 2018.
However, unlike the annual India Open, the tournament will not be held at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall.
“BWF has rejected KD Jadhav Indoor Hall as a possible venue. They said that the venue was okay to host a 750 tournament but not a World Championship. The KD Jadhav Indoor Hall does not have the seating capacity required for a global event, so the Championships will be hosted at the Indira Gandhi Stadium,” a source close to the development revealed.
Sources have also revealed that although it is confirmed that the tournament will be held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, India Open will be the ‘test event’ for the global tournament.
“India Open will be the ‘test event’. If we need to make any changes or additions to the venue, then it gives us enough time to carry it out before the World Championships.”
When asked about any renovations expected at the venue, the source revealed. “Yes, renovations may take place not only after the India Open but even before it, if required. The main concern with KD Jadhav is its limited seating capacity, which is why we finalised the Indira Gandhi Stadium. Any additional changes needed after the India Open will also be carried out.”