Badminton Association of India (BAI) Secretary General Sanjay Mishra is optimistic about India’s young badminton players maintaining the country’s global presence. Mishra emphasized the federation’s focus on grassroots coaching, sports science, and junior development for long-term success across various disciplines. Speaking at the BWF World Championships 2026 mascot and anthem launch in New Delhi, Mishra highlighted the potential of promising talents like Rounak Chouhan, Unnati Hooda, and Tanvi Sharma, who are already making an impact on the international badminton scene.
Mishra expressed confidence in the abilities of the younger generation, citing players such as Rounak Chouhan, who defeated the world number 6 at the US Open. He also mentioned Ayush Shetty as a promising talent alongside established names in Indian badminton. The Secretary General stressed the importance of not just podium finishes but also strengthening the support system for athletes from grassroots levels through coaches’ development programs and technical officials’ initiatives.
Addressing the significance of sports science in elite badminton, Mishra highlighted the BAI’s efforts to enhance athlete support systems, especially in areas like strength and conditioning training and physiotherapy. He mentioned the provision of comprehensive support teams for players like Satwik and Chirag, emphasizing the federation’s commitment to player well-being and performance enhancement through sports science.
Looking ahead, Mishra anticipates positive outcomes from investments in the National Centre at Guwahati and the junior program, expecting visible progress in the next few years. He emphasized the development of under-15, under-17, and under-19 players at the Guwahati center, predicting improvements in Indian junior badminton over the coming years. With India set to host the 30th edition of the BWF World Championships in New Delhi, the BAI aims for sustained success at major badminton events, reflecting its dedication to talent development and long-term growth.
