Hyderabad: In a remarkable achievement that underscores her growing influence beyond the court, Indian badminton star P. V. Sindhu has been appointed to a key decision-making panel of the Badminton World Federation (BWF)—a rare feat for an active player at the highest level of the sport.
The two-time Olympic medallist has been elected as the Chair of the BWF Athletes’ Commission, a position that automatically grants her a voting seat on the prestigious BWF Council, the apex body responsible for shaping global badminton policies and strategies. This significant milestone marks a shift toward greater athlete representation in international sports governance.
What makes Sindhu’s achievement particularly noteworthy is that active elite players seldom hold such influential administrative roles while continuing to compete professionally. Her tenure is set to run until April 2029, during which she will contribute directly to major decisions impacting the sport worldwide.
Sindhu officially began her new role during the BWF Annual General Meeting held in Denmark, where she participated in council discussions for the first time. One of the key decisions taken during the meeting included the introduction of a new 3×15 scoring system, highlighting the level of influence the council wields over the sport’s future.
Having previously served on the Athletes’ Commission since 2017 and acted as a BWF Integrity Ambassador in 2020, Sindhu brings considerable administrative experience to her new role. Her elevation is seen as a natural progression, combining her on-court excellence with leadership responsibilities off the court.
The BWF Council, regarded as the highest governing authority in badminton, plays a crucial role in determining tournament structures, rules, and the overall direction of the sport. Sindhu’s presence ensures that players’ voices, concerns, and perspectives are directly represented at the top level.
Reacting to the appointment, Sindhu expressed gratitude and emphasized her commitment to addressing key issues such as player welfare, prize money distribution, and tournament scheduling. Her role is expected to bridge the gap between athletes and administrators, fostering a more inclusive and balanced decision-making process.
She succeeds former Olympic champion Greysia Polii as the head of the commission and will work alongside other international representatives, reflecting a diverse and global athlete body within the federation.
BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul praised Sindhu, calling her a “strong and inspiring voice for athletes”, further reinforcing confidence in her leadership capabilities.
This development not only adds another feather to Sindhu’s illustrious career but also signals a broader transformation in sports governance, where active athletes are increasingly being entrusted with leadership roles. For India, it is a proud moment as one of its finest sporting icons steps onto the global stage—not just as a champion player, but also as a key decision-maker shaping the future of badminton.
