New Delhi, July 18: Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Badminton Association of India (BAI) President Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday unveiled Peacko, the official mascot of the BWF World Championships New Delhi 2026, and launched the tournament’s official anthem, marking the final 30-day countdown to the global event.
Inspired by the Indian peafowl, the country’s national bird, Peacko will lead BAI’s nationwide fan engagement campaign ahead of the Championships, scheduled from August 17 to 23 in New Delhi.
The high-energy anthem features India’s entire 16-member World Championships squad, including PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, presenting all Indian shuttlers together off the court for the first time. The track reflects the confidence and ambition of Indian badminton as the country prepares to host the World Championships after a gap of 17 years.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Mandaviya said the tournament reflects India’s emergence as a global sporting nation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and highlights the country’s commitment to developing world-class sporting infrastructure.
BAI President Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma described the return of the Championships to India as a landmark moment for the sport, saying it would inspire a new generation of players while celebrating India’s rise as a badminton powerhouse.
The 30th edition of the Championships will feature over 400 players from more than 50 countries. India’s campaign will be led by five-time World Championships medallist PV Sindhu, alongside former medallists Lakshya Sen and the men’s doubles pair of Satwik-Chirag, with rising stars Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda, Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly also in contention.
