The Badminton Association of India (BAI) on Saturday launched a nationwide mascot design contest for the upcoming BWF World Championships 2026, inviting fans, artists and creators to help shape the visual identity of one of the sport’s most prestigious events.

The initiative, a first-of-its-kind by the BAI, aims to deepen fan engagement while celebrating India’s cultural diversity and growing stature in global badminton.

Open to participants of all age groups, the contest will run from April 18 to May 10. The winning entry will receive a cash prize of ₹25,000 along with VIP tickets to the semi-finals or finals of the championship.

BAI general secretary Sanjay Mishra said the initiative reflects badminton’s widespread popularity across the country. “Badminton today is played and loved across every corner of India, cutting across regions, cultures, and backgrounds… This competition is an effort to bring fans closer to the tournament,” he said.

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Return of global event to India

The 2026 edition of the World Championships will mark the tournament’s return to India after 17 years, with New Delhi set to host the marquee event.

Indian shuttlers have claimed 15 medals at the World Championships in recent years, including PV Sindhu’s historic gold in 2019 and a bronze by the doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty last year.

Officials said the mascot contest is designed to reflect India’s sporting journey as well as its cultural richness. The selected design is expected to embody the spirit of badminton while resonating with global audiences.

The initiative also highlights BAI’s efforts to build a stronger connect between fans and the sport, particularly ahead of a high-profile international event on home soil.

With preparations under way for the 2026 championships, the mascot search offers a unique opportunity for the public to leave a creative imprint on the tournament.