Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu was on Wednesday elected chair of the BWF Athletes’ Commission for the 2026-29 term. She will also be serving as a BWF Council Member, thereby lending players a voice in the world body’s working and governance.
Additionally, Hong Kong China’s Chan Ho Yuen Daniel has been elected in a similar role on the Para Badminton wing.
Having served on the Commission since 2017 and as a BWF Integrity Ambassador since 2020, Sindhu, the 2019 World Champion, brings extensive experience and influence to the role.
She said, “I step into this role with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose. As Chair of the Athletes’ Commission, my focus is to ensure that athletes’ voices are heard clearly, consistently, and with respect at every level of decision-making. I see this role as a bridge between athletes and administration, and I am grateful to work alongside the Athletes’ Commission and the athletes who serve as representatives across our sport.
“To be entrusted with this responsibility by fellow athletes is an honour I carry with humility and gratitude. I would also like to sincerely acknowledge Greysia Polii for the exceptional work she has done in the previous term.”
She will be supported by deputy chair Debora Jille of the Netherlands. An Se Young (Korea), Doha Hany (Egypt), and Jia Yi Fan (China) are the other player representatives on the Commission.
In Para badminton, Chan will now take the role full-time, having served as interim chair earlier this year.
The now-retired two-time Paralympian WH2 player said: “I am deeply honoured to be elected as chair of the BWF Para Athletes’ Commission. This is not only a personal milestone but also a meaningful recognition of the dedication and progress of Para badminton athletes around the world.”
Denmark’s Cathrine Rosengren will serve as his deputy. Amy Burnett (USA), Guillaume Gailly (France), Abu Hubaida (India), and Tarek Abbas Gharib Zahry (Egypt) are the other members of the Commission.
Meanwhile, Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha, the first female badminton player to represent Iran at the Olympic Games during Tokyo 2020, was recently appointed as one of five new members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission.
