In what has come as a great news, Indian badminton received a major boost as the Badminton World Federation (BWF) awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 World Junior Badminton Championships to Guwahati.
The announcement came during the BWF’s annual meeting in Chengdu, with the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati chosen as the venue. This beautiful facility boasts 14 badminton courts, a modern gymnasium, and a seating capacity of 4,000, providing an ideal platform for the world’s rising badminton stars.
The last time India hosted the World Juniors was in Pune in 2008, where Saina Nehwal won the world junior title, becoming the first Indian to do so.
‘This is testament to India’s growing stature as Badminton powerhouse’ – BAI secretary general
BAI secretary general Sanjay Mishra expressed his excitement about the upcoming event, stating, “The allotment of the BWF World Juniors to Guwahati is a testament to India’s growing status as a badminton powerhouse, capable of producing champion players and hosting international events.”
BWF President Poul-Erik Hoyer shared his enthusiasm for the return of a BWF Major Championship to India, stating, “India’s burgeoning production line of elite badminton talent is significant, and it is essential for the BWF to bring our World Juniors to India for the second time.” Hoyer further added, “BAI’s brand-new National Centre of Excellence is a cutting-edge facility for badminton and will provide the ideal setting for our next generation of talent to compete for team and individual honors“.
This is a significant development for Indian badminton, providing a platform for young Indian players to showcase their skills on home soil.