New Delhi: India successfully hosted the BWF World Championships 2026 after a 17-year gap, with five new world champions crowned in the national capital on Sunday.
This edition proved especially memorable for European badminton, as France, a nation that had never previously won a World Championships gold medal, claimed two titles.
India has long held a special place in French badminton history. The country’s first-ever World Championships medal also came on Indian soil in 2009, when Pi Hongyan claimed bronze in the women’s singles.
Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue triumphed in mixed doubles, while Alex Lanier captured the men’s singles crown. Their double success marks a historic milestone for European badminton.
It is the first time since 1983 that Europe has secured two gold medals at the event, and the first time since 1977 that more than one title has gone to the same European country.
“Ten years ago, no French player could think about it; it’s a really proud moment,” said mixed doubles champion Thom, who won France’s first-ever gold medal in the event.
Thom and Delphine have been the flag bearers of French badminton, playing together for almost 10 years. They also won a World Championships mixed doubles medal last year at the home Championships in Paris.
“We were in a good group when we were young, and we won a lot in Europe, and having this mentality at 18 helps a lot when we come to the world stage,” said Delphine, reflecting on their journey to becoming world champions.
New Delhi surpasses expectations
The New Delhi event was under the spotlight ahead of the tournament because of issues at the venue earlier this year during the India Open.
However, the event was hosted well, with those lapses addressed before the World Championships. There were no reports of the animal-related disruptions that had made headlines earlier, including bird droppings and monkeys near the premises.
The players and coaches also acknowledged the improvements, including World No. 4 Anders Antonsen, who had skipped multiple India Open events due to concerns over pollution but competed in New Delhi amid improved conditions.
Mixed doubles champion Thom Gicquel also said the arrangements were much better this time compared to the India Open, where there had been a few mishaps.
“It was a lot better this week; we enjoyed it. There were a lot of people in the crowd, and it improved a lot from India Open, which was not this good. We hope BWF changes the months of the India Open when they host it next time,” Thom said.
One of the standout improvements at this edition was the energetic and interactive crowd, which turned up in strong numbers even on the final day despite no Indian players remaining in contention.
India will now look to sustain this high standard of organisation and fan engagement at the upcoming India Open and other major international events. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has also submitted a bid to host the 2028 Thomas & Uber Cup.