After 4 Decades Wait: Punjab Set to Host National Badminton Championship in Jalandhar
– ₹10 Lakh Cash Prize Announced!
Jalandhar, March 23
In a significant boost for badminton in Punjab, the state will host a national championship after a gap of four decades. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has awarded hosting rights for the 38th Sub-Junior National Badminton Championship to Punjab.
Punjab Badminton Association (PBA) Honorary Secretary Ritin Khanna announced that the championship will take place from December 9 to 12, 2026, at the historic Raizada Hansraj Badminton Stadium in Jalandhar. Approximately 350 young players from 33 states and Union Territories are expected to participate.
The last time Punjab hosted a national badminton championship was in 1987, also in Jalandhar.
Khanna revealed that the PBA had been persistently pursuing the hosting rights with the BAI, which were finally granted after a thorough review of the upgraded infrastructure at the venue. He added that a total cash prize pool of ₹10 lakh will be awarded to the winners.
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The championship will feature singles and doubles events in the under-13 boys’ and girls’ categories. All matches will be conducted under the direct supervision of BAI officials. The PBA will provide free boarding, lodging, and other necessary arrangements for players, coaches, managers, and officials.
Khanna emphasized that the event will offer a major platform and inspiration for Punjab’s emerging shuttlers, allowing them to compete and interact with the country’s top young talent at the national level.
The Raizada Hansraj Badminton Stadium has seen a major revamp over the past five years, with an investment of ₹1 crore. It now features 10 courts, a gymnasium, restaurant, sports shop, and a physiotherapy centre. Former Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur visited the stadium and praised the efforts of the interim committee of the District Badminton Association (DBA), Jalandhar.
Ritin Khanna, a former national player and current Honorary Secretary of PBA, was previously honoured by the Governor of Punjab for his outstanding contributions to the sport.
Photo Caption: Punjab Badminton Association Honorary Secretary Ritin Khanna displays the official letter from the Badminton Association of India (BAI) confirming the allocation of the Sub-Junior National Championship to Jalandhar.
