Two-time Olympic gold medalist Sindhu appointed president of the BWF Athletes’ Commission

PV Sindhu’s election marks a pivotal moment for the sport. As the new Chair of the BWF Athletes’ Commission for the 2026-2029 term, she will hold a seat on the BWF Council, the federation’s highest decision-making body. 

This appointment is a natural progression for the 30-year-old star, who has served on the Commission since 2017 and acted as a BWF Integrity Ambassador since 2020. Her long-standing involvement has already established her as a highly influential figure in promoting fair play and athlete welfare.

In her new capacity, Sindhu is tasked with acting as a vital bridge between the players and the administration. She will lead a diverse team, including Deputy Chair Debora Jille (Netherlands) and prominent members like An Se Young (South Korea) and Jia Yi Fan (China). 

Upon her election, Sindhu expressed her commitment, stating: “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.”

Sindhu’s credentials for this leadership role are unmatched. Born in 1995, she is a double Olympic medallist and became the first Indian to win the World Championships in 2019. 

Parallel to Sindhu’s appointment, Hong Kong China’s Chan Ho Yuen Daniel has been elected Chair of the BWF Para Athletes’ Commission. Chan, who previously served as interim chair, will now take on the role full-time. As a retired two-time Paralympic medallist in the WH2 category, Chan brings immense experience to the Para-Badminton wing. He will be supported by Deputy Chair Cathrine Rosengren of Denmark to further the interests of para-athletes worldwide.

Furthermore, the restructuring extends to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha, the first female badminton player to represent Iran at the Olympics, was recently appointed to the IOC Athletes’ Commission. Her inclusion reflects a broader commitment to diversity within the Olympic Movement, with her official IOC membership expected to be confirmed in February 2026.