Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Young Underdogs to Watch at Badminton Worlds
The BWF World Championships in New Delhi from August 17-23, 2026, will feature several young underdogs who could surprise the established stars.
Ayush Shetty from India, who won the US Open Super 300 and reached the final of the Badminton Asia Championships, is a strong contender.
Unnati Hooda, also from India, has broken into the BWF Women's Singles Top 20 and has beaten top-ranked players.
Alwi Farhan from Indonesia won the BWF World Junior Championships and has shown promise in senior tournaments.
Tomoka Miyazaki from Japan, a former World Junior Champion, has climbed into the world's top 10.
Kalyana Nalbantova from Bulgaria, a two-time European Junior champion, has also shown potential.
These young players have the talent and confidence to make a deep run in the tournament.
Ayush Shetty from India is a strong home contender with a powerful attacking game.
Unnati Hooda from India has broken into the BWF Women's Singles Top 20 and has beaten top-ranked opponents.
Alwi Farhan from Indonesia won the BWF World Junior Championships and has shown promise in senior tournaments.
Tomoka Miyazaki from Japan, a former World Junior Champion, has climbed into the world's top 10.
Kalyana Nalbantova from Bulgaria, a two-time European Junior champion, has shown potential and could surprise the field.
- Who
- Young badminton players including Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda, Alwi Farhan, Tomoka Miyazaki, and Kalyana Nalbantova.
- What
- Potential upsets and breakout performances at the BWF World Championships.
- When
- August 17-23, 2026.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- Why
- These young players have shown significant potential and could challenge established stars.
Home Advantage
International Experience
Playing Conditions
Home Advantage
Home players like Ayush Shetty and Unnati Hooda may benefit from familiar conditions and home crowd support.
International Experience
International players are accustomed to varying conditions and may not be affected by the home advantage.
Pressure
Home Advantage
Home players might feel additional pressure to perform well in front of their home crowd.
International Experience
International players are used to high-pressure situations and may handle the tournament's intensity better.
- Event
- BWF World Championships
- Location
- New Delhi, India
- Dates
- August 17-23, 2026
- Notable Underdogs
- Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda, Alwi Farhan, Tomoka Miyazaki, Kalyana Nalbantova
- Key Competitors
- An Se-young, Chen Yufei, Akane Yamaguchi, PV Sindhu