PV Sindhu gets voting rights on BWF Council after election as Chair of Athletes’ Commission

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3 min readApr 27, 2026 02:32 PM IST

As a voting member of the Council, Sindhu will participate in discussions and decisions on matters that shape the future of the sport. (Badminton Photo)

PV Sindhu started her term as a voting member of the BWF Council after being elected as Chair of the BWF Athletes’ Commission, starting her governance role.

The former World Champion and Olympic medallist and World Champion assumed a full voting position after completing the formal vetting process. Sindhu officially entered the BWF Council at the end of 2025. She made her first appearance before the global badminton membership during the BWF Annual General Meeting in Horsens, marking the beginning of her tenure within the sport’s highest governing body.

Some of the pressing reforms Sindhu can look to push for are: prize money at World Championships and reducing the load of mandatory tournaments expected of top athletes, which will continue to cause injuries, be it in 15 points or 21. BWF has muscles through the 15-point system despite considerable opposition.

The BWF Council plays a central role in guiding the strategic direction and governance of badminton worldwide. As a voting member of the Council, Sindhu will participate in discussions and decisions on matters that shape the future of the sport, bringing the perspectives and experiences of elite athletes directly into the heart of global badminton leadership.

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Her presence within the Council is particularly significant as she is an active athlete competing at the highest level of the sport to simultaneously hold a voting position within badminton’s global governance structure. In this role, Sindhu will help ensure that the voices, experiences and priorities of players are represented at the highest levels of decision-making.

Speaking on the occasion, P. V. Sindhu said, “It is a true honour and privilege to take on this responsibility within the Badminton World Federation and to represent the voices of athletes from around the world. Badminton has given me so much, and I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the sport in this capacity.
I am especially grateful to BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul for her warmth and encouragement, and I look forward to working closely with the Council and the wider BWF community as we continue to strengthen and grow this wonderful sport across the world.”

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Sindhu’s presence on the BWF Council represents an important step in ensuring that the insights, experiences and perspectives of athletes remain central to the evolution of badminton, helping shape a stronger and more inclusive future for the sport globally.

BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul welcomed Sindhu to the high seat, saying, “Over many years, P. V. 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. Athletes are the heart of our sport, and their voices must remain central to every decision we make. Through the BWF Athletes’ Commission, our global badminton community continues to be shaped by those who live and breathe the game.

We very much look forward to working closely with Sindhu in the years ahead as we continue our efforts to grow badminton and strengthen its place among the world’s leading sports.”

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