Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Worlds return to India after 17 years, shuttlers stay cautious
The big badminton World Championship is happening in Delhi, India, for the first time in 17 years.
The players are being very careful and quiet before the games start.
Some of them are hurt, like the world's number one player, An Se-young, who has ice on her knee.
They don't want to say too much about how ready they are.
China's players want to win back a title they haven't won since 2011.
One top player, Shi Yuqi, wouldn't even talk to reporters.
A young player named Ayush Shetty is playing his first World Championship and says he wants to win.
Other famous players like PV Sindhu and Akane Yamaguchi are also there.
Everyone is waiting to see what happens when the games begin.
The calm before the games is expected to turn into exciting matches.
The World Badminton Championship returns to India after 17 years, with the venue in Delhi described as an 'improved arena'.
World No 1 An Se-young attended the press with ice bags on her left knee, focusing on injury recovery and rhythm.
China has not won the World title since 2011, and players like Chen Yufei and Wang Zhi Yi are cautious about revealing their preparation.
Men's singles World No 1 Shi Yuqi declined to speak to the media, even risking a fine, ahead of facing Ayush Shetty in Round 1.
Defending champion Akane Yamaguchi and PV Sindhu are among the top names, with Sindhu chasing her sixth World medal.
- Who
- Top badminton players including An Se-young, Shi Yuqi, PV Sindhu, Akane Yamaguchi, Chen Yufei, Wang Zhi Yi, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, and Ayush Shetty
- What
- The World Badminton Championship is set to begin, with players cautious about their form and preparation
- When
- A day before the World Badminton Championship, which returns to India after 17 years
- Where
- Delhi, India
- Why
- Players are managing injuries and keeping expectations low ahead of the tournament
Players' cautious approach
High expectations for the event
Player readiness
Players' cautious approach
Players are downplaying their form, citing injuries and recovery, and keeping expectations low.
High expectations for the event
The tournament is a major global event with top athletes expected to perform at their best.
- Event
- World Badminton Championship
- Location
- Delhi, India
- Return to India
- After 17 years
- World No 1 (Men's Singles)
- Shi Yuqi
- World No 1 (Women's Singles)
- An Se-young
- Defending Champion (Women's Singles)
- Akane Yamaguchi
- China's Last World Title
- 2011
- PV Sindhu's Medal Count
- Chasing her sixth World medal