The BWF World Championships return to India in New Delhi from August 17 to 23, 2026, with five reigning champions aiming to defend their titles. Shi Yu Qi, the defending men's singles champion, seeks to become the first Chinese man since Chen Long to retain the world title after his 2025 breakthrough. Akane Yamaguchi, defending women's singles champion, eyes a fourth world crown and continues to be celebrated for her speed and defensive skills. Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae, defending men's doubles champions, enter as favourites after a standout 2025 season that included the World Championships and World Tour Finals. Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning, defending women's doubles champions, aim to replicate their Paris 2024 Olympic silver and 2025 world title with aggressive, consistent play. Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, Malaysia’s defending mixed doubles champions, seek to build on their historic Paris 2025 triumph as they contest in New Delhi.