SPORTS MINISTER Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and BAI President Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled the official mascot ‘Peacko’ and launched the championship anthem for the BWF World Championships New Delhi 2026, marking 30 days to go until the tournament.
The anthem features PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, and India’s full 16-member World Championships contingent; the first time all 16 Indian shuttlers have appeared together off the court. Peacko, the official mascot, is inspired by the Indian Peafowl and features a skirt modelled on the opening of a shuttlecock, blending the identities of India, New Delhi, and badminton. It will front BAI’s fan engagement campaign ahead of the event.
The 30th BWF World Championships will bring together over 400 shuttlers from more than 50 countries in New Delhi from August 17-23. India last hosted the event 17 years ago.
PV Sindhu, a five-time World Championships medallist, leads India’s contingent. Other contenders include Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda, and the Women’s Doubles pair of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly.
The unveiling was attended by SAI Director General Hari Ranjan Rao, BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra, and Pullela Gopichand, among others.
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India has emerged as a global sporting nation, successfully hosting some of the world’s biggest sporting events across disciplines. The BWF World Championships, New Delhi 2026, marks another proud milestone in this journey. It reflects the growing stature of Indian badminton and our unwavering commitment to creating world-class sporting infrastructure and providing greater opportunities for our athletes. I congratulate the Badminton Association of India for bringing the Championships back to India after 17 years. I also invite sports lovers from across the country to come to New Delhi, support our players, and be part of this historic occasion. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has aligned sports development with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The Khelo Bharat Niti has laid down a clear roadmap for the development of sports in India. The National Sports Governance Act promotes best governance practices across the sports ecosystem. The Khelo India Mission will be launched in the coming days. While this edition of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow does not feature badminton, the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad will witness the return of the sport, providing our shuttlers with another opportunity to showcase their talent on the global stage.”
Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “The return of the BWF World Championships to India after 17 years is a landmark moment for our sport and a reflection of how far Indian badminton has come. Today, India is recognised as one of the world’s badminton powerhouses, producing players who have inspired many. With New Delhi 2026, we have an opportunity not only to host a world-class Championship but to celebrate that journey, bring lifelong fans and a new generation closer to the sport, and inspire countless young Indians to pick up a racket. Peacko and the official anthem are the first steps in that journey, and I am confident the Championships will leave a lasting legacy for badminton in our country.”
