Curtains Rise on 30th Edition

Over this week, the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium will become a crucible of emotions – joy, sorrow, satisfaction, exhaustion, pain, uncertainty, and whatever lies in between or just outside this spectrum.

On the eve of the BWF World Championships 2026 however, few of these emotions were readily apparent. As players went through their paces, getting a feel of the conditions, there was a sense of cheery calm.

Victor Lai said his game mode would kick in late on Sunday.

“Starting tonight… tomorrow (Monday) for sure. I’m lucky I don’t play tomorrow. It will be practice day for me and I’ll be very focussed and ready for the match.”

In the normal course of events, An Se Young would be resounding favourite. But the world No.1 arrives on the mend from a foot injury, and that lends a faint bit of uncertainty to how her campaign will pan out. An knows from personal experience – having spectacularly succumbed to pressure in last year’s semifinal – that the favourite tag could a heavy load to bear, no matter her previous accomplishments or current form.

“I focused on my recovery and getting into a good shape,” said An, of her preparations. “Now it’s not perfect, but I’m getting there. It’s getting better. I took some rest in Korea, and when I started preparing for the World Championships, I focused on getting back my rhythm and in good shape.

“While practising there’s still a little pain, but it’s getting better.”

Taking on An Se Young in the first round is Kaloyana Nalbantova, who first played the Korean at the Olympics two years ago. Since then, both their careers have been on the upswing – An’s at a stratospheric level; Nalbantova’s more earthly. If Nalbantova was disappointed at running once again into the world’s best player in her very first match, she hid her feelings well.

“Not optimistic, not disappointed… it’s just part of the game,” said the 20-year-old. “I could have wished for an easier first round, but I have to accept the challenge and try my best. I played her this year, it was a tough match and I expect another tough match. It will be harder for me.

“Since Paris I’m better. Her injury could help me somehow, but I think she’s fully recovered. I cannot say I can take advantage of her injury. I also have some small pains.

“First of all, playing her is hard for anybody. You have to accept it. Now I’ve accepted who I have to play and I know how hard it’s going to be.”