The badminton world is eyeing Guwahati, where the BWF World Junior Championship 2025 officially began amidst enthusiasm, color and celebration. The tournament, which brings together the most promising young talents from all over the world, is being held in India for the first time in more than a decade. The event promises exciting performances of skills, motion and sports skills as the world’s future badminton stars compete for top honors.
A grand opening in the heart of Assam
The championship began with a vibrant opening ceremony at Sarusjai Indoor Stadium in Guwahati, where cultural performances, traditional Assamese music and colorful dances created an atmosphere for the week-long program. Sports Minister Anurag Thakur inaugurated the championship with Himanta Biswa Sarma, President of the Indian Badminton Association (BAI), stressing India’s growing role as a global badminton powerhouse.
In his address, Thakur said, “It is a proud moment for India to host the BWF World Junior Championship. We are not only celebrating the game but also inspiring the next generation of athletes to dream big.”
Participation from Around the Globe
This year’s championship features over 450 players from more than 40 countries, including strong contingents from Indonesia, China, Japan, Malaysia, Denmark, and South Korea. The tournament includes both team and individual events, giving young players a platform to showcase their skills on an international stage.
India is fielding one of its largest-ever contingents, with players competing in boys’ singles, girls’ singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories. The home crowd is expected to provide strong support to the Indian shuttlers, who have been training intensively for months under the guidance of national coaches.
India’s Young Hopefuls
India’s squad features several promising names who have already made their mark at national and Asian junior levels. Among the standout players are Ayush Shetty, Tanya Hemanth, Meghana Reddy, and Sankar Muthusamy Subramanian, all of whom are seen as strong medal contenders.
Chief national coach Pullela Gopichand expressed confidence in the team, saying, “Our players have worked hard, and this is their chance to show the world what Indian badminton’s future looks like. Playing on home soil gives them both motivation and pressure — but I believe they are ready.”
There is tough competition ahead
The BWF World Junior Championships have a history of uncovering future superstars. In previous editions, players like Carolina Marin, Viktor Axelsen, Ratchanok Intanon and Lakshya Sen have achieved global fame by winning medals at this level.
The competition is expected to be tough this year. Powerhouses like Indonesia, China and Japan have come up with top-ranked juniors who are dominating the Asian circuit. European countries, led by Denmark and France, are also aiming to make their mark, reflecting badminton’s growing global reach.
Guwahati’s big moment
For Guwahati, hosting the BWF World Junior Championships is a historic milestone. The city has been continuously building its sports infrastructure, and the event establishes it as one of the emerging sports hubs of India. The Assam government and local authorities have ensured world-class facilities, smooth logistics and an eco-friendly setup for the championship.
Local fans showed great enthusiasm as tickets sold out quickly. Schools and colleges across Assam have encouraged students to participate in the matches, turning the tournament into a celebration of youth and sports.
Promote indian badminton
Hosting such a big international event gives a great boost to Indian badminton. In the last decade, P.V. With stars like India have become a dominant force in the game. Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth, H.S. Prannoy, and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty are achieving remarkable success on the world stage.
The BWF World Junior Championships will provide invaluable experience to India’s next generation of shuttlers. It will also help in improving training standards and motivating grassroots development programs across the country.
Environment-Friendly Tournament
Organizers have emphasized sustainability and eco-friendliness in hosting the championship. From reusable water bottles to solar-powered lighting and minimal plastic use, the event aims to set an example for future tournaments.
The “Green Shuttle” initiative, introduced by the Assam government, encourages players, fans, and officials to minimize waste and carbon emissions during the event. Local volunteers have been working tirelessly to ensure smooth coordination and environmental responsibility.
Fans and Cultural Exchange
The BWF World Junior Championships are not only about competition — they also serve as a platform for cultural exchange. Young athletes from different countries are interacting, learning, and sharing experiences, reflecting the true spirit of global sportsmanship.
Cultural stalls showcasing Indian crafts, Assamese cuisine, and traditional attire have been set up around the venue, giving foreign visitors a taste of India’s cultural richness. Fans have also been treated to live performances, folk dances, and musical evenings throughout the week.
BWF’s Appreciation for India
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) praised India for successfully organizing the championship. BWF President Thomas Lund said, “India has become one of the strongest pillars of world badminton. Hosting the World Juniors in Guwahati reflects the country’s commitment to developing the game from the grassroots up.”
Lund said India’s continued success in producing top players is proof that its sporting ecosystem is getting stronger every year.
looking ahead
As the tournament progresses, the focus will be on how India’s young players handle the pressure of performing on home soil. An early win could give them the momentum needed to reach the semi-finals and beyond.
The final on October 13 is expected to draw a huge crowd, with Indian fans hoping to see their athletes lift the trophy on home soil.
conclusion
The BWF World Junior Championships in Guwahati are a proud chapter for Indian badminton. It is not just a competition but a celebration of talent, unity and youthful energy. For many players, this is a stepping stone towards greater achievements on the world stage.
As shuttles fly high and cheers echo across the stadium, Guwahati stands as a shining example of India’s sporting spirit and its growing presence in global badminton. The coming days promise intense rallies, emotional victories and unforgettable moments – as the world’s best young shuttlers fight for glory in the heart of Assam.
