Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the official mascot Peacko and championship anthem as India began the final month of preparations for the BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi.
(L-R) Shri Pabitra Margherita - Minister of State for External Affairs of India; Shri Sanjay Mishra - General Secretary BAI, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma - President, BAI and CM of Assam; Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya - Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports; Shri Pullela Gopichand - Chief National Coach, BAI; and Shri Hari Ranjan Rao - IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports & DG, SAI along with BWF World Championships 2026 official mascot Peacko (PC: BAI)
With just 30 days remaining until the BWF World Championships return to India after 17 years, Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday unveiled the official mascot, Peacko, and launched the tournament’s official anthem, marking the beginning of the final countdown to badminton’s flagship event.
The launch ceremony, held in New Delhi, was attended by Badminton Association of India (BAI) President and Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra, Indian badminton chief national coach Pullela Gopichand, Sports Authority of India Director General Hari Ranjan Rao and members of the badminton fraternity.
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Inspired by the Indian Peafowl, India’s national bird, Peacko was unveiled as the official mascot for the Championships. It was chosen through BAI’s first nationwide mascot contest and will spearhead fan engagement activities ahead of the tournament.
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Here’s a Glimpse of Peacko:
Sharing the spotlight was the official championship anthem, a high-energy track featuring all 16 members of India’s World Championships squad, including PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. Sung by rapper Spectra and influenced by New Delhi’s street rap culture, the anthem aims to build excitement among fans in the month leading up to the championships.
Calling the event another milestone in India’s sporting journey, Mandaviya said the country had established itself as a capable host of major international competitions.
“India has emerged as a global sporting nation, successfully hosting some of the world’s biggest sporting events across disciplines. The BWF World Championships, New Delhi 2026, marks another proud milestone in this journey. It reflects the growing stature of Indian badminton and our unwavering commitment to creating world-class sporting infrastructure and providing greater opportunities for our athletes,” he said.
BAI President Himanta Biswa Sarma described the return of the World Championships after 17 years as a defining moment for Indian badminton.
“The return of the BWF World Championships to India after 17 years is a landmark moment for our sport and a reflection of how far Indian badminton has come. Today, India is recognised as one of the world’s badminton powerhouses. With New Delhi 2026, we have an opportunity not only to host a world-class championship but also to celebrate that journey, bring lifelong fans and a new generation closer to the sport, and inspire countless young Indians to pick up a racket,” he said.
BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra said Peacko and the anthem were designed to connect with fans of all ages and would be central to the fan engagement activities planned in the lead-up to the tournament.
The 30th edition of the BWF World Championships will be held in New Delhi from August 17 to 23 and is expected to feature more than 400 players from over 50 countries.
India’s campaign will be spearheaded by five-time World Championships medallist PV Sindhu, who has the chance to become the most decorated player in the tournament’s history with a sixth medal. Former bronze medallist Lakshya Sen, star men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, along with youngsters Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda and the women’s doubles pair of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly, will also be among the home hopes.
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