Hyderabad: Former world champion PV Sindhu has officially assumed charge as a member of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) council after being elected as chair of the BWF Athletes' Commission in December 2025. It is rare for an active and top-ranked player to secure a key position within the sport's governing body. Sindhu replaces Greysia Polii of Indonesia and will hold the position until April 2029. Polii had taken over the commission in 2022 after retiring from international competition.
Prior to Sindhu, Assam Chief Minister and President of the Badminton Association of India (BAI), Himanta Biswa Sarma, served as a BWF council member between 2021 and 2025. The council plays a crucial role in the governance of badminton worldwide. As a voting member, Sindhu will participate in discussions and decisions that shape the future of the sport. The council is the highest decision-making body of the BWF, responsible for setting strategic direction, approving budgets and business plans, and monitoring long-term objectives for the growth of badminton.
The 31-year-old made her first appearance at the annual general meeting (AGM) in Horsens, Denmark on Saturday, where the new 3x15 scoring format was approved. "It is an honour to take on this responsibility within the BWF and to represent the voices of athletes from around the world," Sindhu said in a statement on Monday. "Badminton has given me so much, and I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the sport in this capacity." Sources added that her prior experience serving on the BWF Commission in 2017 and as a BWF integrity ambassador in 2020 should help her transition into this larger role.
Sindhu's inclusion, along with deputy chair Debora Jille, marks a shift toward giving more preference to players in the governance of the sport. She will be supported by other player representatives including An Se Young (Korea), Doha Hany (Egypt), and Jia Yi Fan (China). Welcoming Sindhu to the council, BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul said, "Over many years, PV Sindhu has demonstrated exceptional skill, grace and spirit on the court, and it is wonderful to now have such an outstanding role model representing the voice of our athletes. Through the BWF Athletes' Commission, our global badminton community continues to be shaped by those who live and breathe the game."
From the players' perspective, Sindhu can push for increased prize money at the World Championships and a reduction in the mandatory tournament load. Her presence on the council is expected to bring valuable athlete insight to the decision-making process.
