Mansukh Mandaviya Unveils 'Peacko' Mascot as Countdown Begins for BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi

Mascot 'Peacko' and Official Anthem Launched Ahead of BWF World Championships 2026

New Delhi, July 18, 2026: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, along with Badminton Association of India (BAI) President and Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Saturday unveiled the official mascot 'Peacko' and launched the official championship anthem for the BWF World Championships New Delhi 2026, marking the start of the final 30-day countdown to one of badminton's biggest global events.

The official anthem features India's entire 16-member World Championships squad, including Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. Designed to reflect the energy, ambition and unity of Indian badminton, it brings together all 16 national team members for the first time in a championship campaign.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by Sports Authority of India Director General Hari Ranjan Rao (IAS), BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra, Indian badminton legend Pullela Gopichand, senior officials and members of the badminton fraternity.

Mandaviya: India Emerging as a Global Sporting Nation

Speaking at the event, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said India has established itself as a major destination for hosting world-class sporting events under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has emerged as a global sporting nation that has successfully hosted some of the world's biggest sporting events. The BWF World Championships New Delhi 2026 is another proud milestone in this journey and reflects India's growing stature in world badminton and our unwavering commitment to building world-class sporting infrastructure and providing greater opportunities to our athletes."

BWF World Championships Return to India After 17 Years

The 30th edition of the BWF World Championships will be held in New Delhi from August 17 to 23, bringing together more than 400 of the world's best badminton players from over 50 countries.

India's campaign will be led by five-time World Championships medallist PV Sindhu, who has the opportunity to become the most decorated medallist in the tournament's history by securing a record sixth medal.

The host nation will also feature former medallists Lakshya Sen and the men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, along with emerging stars Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda and the women's doubles duo of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly.

'Peacko' Celebrates India's Identity

The official mascot, Peacko, draws inspiration from the Indian peacock, the country's national bird, which is a familiar sight across New Delhi's parks and monuments.

The mascot combines India's cultural identity with badminton's global appeal. Its distinctive costume is inspired by the opening of a shuttlecock while also celebrating the popularity of badminton across the capital, from neighbourhood parks to the lawns surrounding India Gate.

Championship Anthem Showcases India's Rising Badminton Generation

Alongside the mascot, organisers also released the official championship anthem. Inspired by New Delhi's vibrant energy and India's contemporary street rap culture, the song captures the confidence, ambition and excitement surrounding Indian badminton ahead of the World Championships.

The anthem is expected to spearhead BAI's nationwide fan engagement campaign during the final month before the tournament and encourage supporters to rally behind the Indian contingent.

BAI President and Officials Look Ahead to Historic Championship

Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma described the return of the BWF World Championships to India after 17 years as a landmark moment for Indian badminton, saying the tournament offers an opportunity not only to host a world-class sporting event but also to inspire a new generation of players.

BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra said the launch of Peacko and the championship anthem gives fans their first glimpse of the tournament's identity and excitement, adding that more fan engagement initiatives will be introduced in the coming weeks.

(Inputs from Press Release)