By Amrit Pal Sidhu
Jalandhar, March 24:
In a historic development for sports in Punjab, the state is set to host a National Badminton Championship after a gap of 40 years. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has officially allotted the 38th Sub-Junior National Badminton Championship to Punjab, marking a significant moment for the state’s sporting community.
The championship is scheduled to take place from December 9 to 12, 2026, at the iconic Raizada Hansraj Badminton Stadium in Jalandhar.
This prestigious event will see participation from around 350 players hailing from 33 states and Union Territories across the country. The last time Punjab hosted a national badminton championship was in 1987, also held in Jalandhar.
Ritin Khanna, honorary secretary of the Punjab Badminton Association (PBA), expressed his excitement about bringing the championship back to the state after four decades. He revealed that Punjab’s consistent efforts and upgraded sports infrastructure played a key role in securing the hosting rights from the BAI.
The championship will feature singles and doubles events in the under-13 boys’ and girls’ categories, with matches conducted under the supervision of BAI officials. To encourage participation and reward excellence, a total cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh has been announced for the winners.
The PBA will also ensure proper arrangements for boarding and lodging for all players, coaches, managers, and officials attending the event.
“This event will provide a major boost to budding shuttlers in Punjab by giving them an opportunity to compete alongside some of the best young talents at the national level,” Khanna stated.
The Raizada Hansraj Badminton Stadium, which will serve as the venue for the championship, has undergone a significant transformation over the past five years.
With an investment of Rs. 1 crore, the stadium now boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including 10 courts, a gymnasium, a restaurant, a sports shop, and a physiotherapy center.
Ritin Khanna, himself a former national player, has been instrumental in promoting badminton in Punjab. His dedication to the sport was recently recognized when he was honored by the Governor of Punjab for his outstanding contributions.
The upcoming Sub-Junior National Badminton Championship is not just an event but a milestone for Punjab’s sports ecosystem. It promises to inspire young athletes and elevate the state’s standing in Indian badminton.