World Badminton Day: Connecting, Inspiring and Transforming Lives

On World Badminton Day (5 July), BWF celebrates badminton not only for its speed, skill and excitement, but also its power to bring people together and shape lives.

For Pusarla V. Sindhu and Ho Yuen Chan Daniel, the sport has meant far more than medals and titles. It has given them purpose, connection and a sense of belonging that reaches across the globe.

One of badminton’s most recognisable stars, everything begins with desire for Pusarla.

“Badminton is my passion,” she said when asked about what the sport meant to her. “You need to play with passion and enjoyment, and automatically you will enjoy the sport.” It is a mindset that has carried her to remarkable heights.

An Olympic silver medallist at Rio 2016 and bronze medallist at Tokyo 2020, she became world champion in 2019, adding to an impressive collection of World Championships medals that began with a breakthrough bronze in 2013.

“When I won my first World Championships medal, it gave me a lot of confidence,” she added. “That took me forward and helped me grow.”

She reached world No.2 in 2017 and claimed Commonwealth Games gold in 2022, cementing her place among the sport’s greats.

Today, the popular Indian shuttler continues to shape the sport beyond her playing career, as Chair of the BWF Athletes’ Commission and a member of the BWF Council. As a global ambassador, she represents not just excellence but also the values badminton stands for.

“Badminton gave me fame, friendships and the opportunity to travel to different countries,” she said. “I never expected that when I first started.”

Among those friendships is her bond with three-time world champion and Olympic gold medallist Carolina Marin. Fierce rivals on court, the two share a deep mutual respect off it, showing how badminton can transform rivalry into lasting relationships.

For Pusarla, those human connections are among the sport’s greatest rewards.

“You stay healthy, you meet people around the world and you make friends,” she said. “The love and support from fans, whether I was at my lowest or at my best, is something I will always cherish.”

Pusarla speaking at the BWF AGM in her role as Chair of the BWF Athletes’ Commission.

That same spirit runs through the story of Chan. A former WH1 Para badminton player, Chan discovered the sport after a life‑changing accident and credits it with helping him rebuild his life.

“Badminton is like my faith,” he said. “It rebuilt my confidence, gave me purpose and allowed me to recreate my life with strength and dignity.”

His career reached its peak on the Paralympic stage, where he won bronze at Tokyo 2020 and silver at Paris 2024.

“The Paris final was especially meaningful because it was the last international match of my career,” he said. “From the first day I became an athlete, I dreamed of retiring at my peak.”

Like Pusarla, Chan values what badminton gave him beyond results.

“We may be opponents on court, but off court we support, admire and rely on one another,” he said. “I have friends in almost every country I have competed in.”

He also embraced leadership roles, serving as Chair of the BWF Para Athletes’ Commission and as a member of the BWF Council.

“These opportunities allowed me to represent my community and advocate for athletes’ rights,” he reflected.

Their stories capture what makes badminton so special. It is a sport that keeps people active, builds confidence, creates lifelong friendships and connects communities across borders and cultures.

On this World Badminton Day, the message is simple: raise a racket, play with passion and enjoy our wonderful sport.

Because, as Pusarla and Chan remind us, badminton is more than just a sport.

Chan (left) enjoying his post-playing career as an administrator.