After 17 years, the BWF World Championships are finally back in India. From August 17 to 23, the Indira Gandhi Arena in New Delhi will not just host the world’s best shuttlers. It will also become the stage where India’s contingent experiences the unique pressure and energy of competing in front of their own fans. India previously hosted the World Championships in Hyderabad in 2009.
For PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty and the rest of India’s contingent, the home crowd can be more than just a source of support. In a sport where matches can turn on just a few points, the noise from the stands can provide an important boost during difficult moments.
Veteran shuttler Sindhu knows what it means to carry Indian expectations at a major tournament. With five World Championships medals already to her name, she will be chasing a record sixth medal in front of a home crowd, especially after her historic Japan Open Super 750 title. Her experience could also help her handle the expectations that come with thousands of fans cheering her name.
For the younger players, the experience will be different. Unnati Hooda and Ayush Shetty will be making their World Championships debuts. Ayush will face a huge opening-round challenge against world No. 1 Shi Yuqi. Playing such a match in front of a home crowd could give the youngster an opportunity to embrace the occasion rather than be overwhelmed by it.
The same support could prove crucial for Satwik and Chirag, whose attacking style often raises the energy inside the arena. Lakshya, too, will look to turn the familiarity of home surroundings and support into an advantage.
But home support also brings a lot of expectations. Every fan carries hopes, and every mistake can feel heavier. India’s shuttlers, on the other hand, will hope the crowd can help turn home advantage into a memorable campaign.
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