New Delhi: India successfully hosted the BWF World Championships 2026 after a 17-year gap, with five new world titles decided in the national capital on Sunday.

This edition proved especially memorable for European badminton, as France, a nation that had never previously won a World Championships gold, claimed two titles.

India has long held a special place in French badminton history. The country’s first-ever World Championships medal also came on Indian soil in 2009, when Pi Hongyan claimed bronze in the women’s singles.

Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue triumphed in mixed doubles, while Alex Lanier captured the men’s singles crown. The double success marks a historic milestone for European badminton.

It is the first time since 1983 that Europe has secured two gold medals at the event, and the first time since 1977 that more than one title has gone to the same European country.

“Ten years ago, no French player could think about it; it’s a really proud moment,” said the mixed doubles champion Thom, who bagged his first ever gold for France.

Thom and Delphine have always been the flag bearers of France, playing together for almost 10 years and having won their world mixed doubles medal last year at the home Championships in Paris.

“We were in a good group when we were young, and we won a lot in Europe and having this mentality at 18 helps a lot when we come to the world stage, ” said Delphine about their journey to becoming world champions.

New Delhi Surpasses Expectations

The New Delhi event was under the spotlight ahead of the tournament because of the past hindrances at the venue earlier this year at the India Open.

However, the event has been hosted well, and all those lapses were addressed before the even no animal interference, like bird poop or Monkey found near the premises.

Even the players and coaches have agreed with it, including the world No. 4 Anders Antonsen. He has skipped multiple India Open events due to pollution but showed improved weather this week.

Mixed doubles champion Thom Gicquel also said that arrangements were way better this time than the India Open, where there were a few mishaps.

Thom said, “It was a lot better this week; we enjoyed it. There were a lot of people in the crowd, and it improved a lot from India Open, which was not this good, and we hope BWF changed the months of India Open when they host it next time.”

One of the standout improvements at this edition was the energetic and interactive crowd, which turned up in strong numbers even on the final day despite no Indian players remaining in contention.

India will now look to sustain this high standard of organisation and fan engagement at the upcoming India Open and other major international events. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has also submitted a bid to host the 2028 Thomas & Uber Cup.