PV Sindhu Elected Chair of BWF Athletes’ Commission
Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has been elected as the chair of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Athletes’ Commission for the term 2026-29. This appointment also includes her role as a BWF Council Member, giving players a voice in the world body’s decision-making processes and governance.
Having been a part of the Commission since 2017 and serving as a BWF Integrity Ambassador since 2020, Sindhu, the 2019 World Champion, brings a wealth of experience and influence to her new role. In her statement, she expressed her commitment to representing the athletes’ voices clearly and respectfully at all levels of decision-making within the organization.
“I see this role as a bridge between athletes and administration, and I am grateful to work alongside the Athletes’ Commission and the representatives from across our sport,” said Sindhu.
Para Badminton Wing
Joining Sindhu in a similar role on the Para Badminton wing is Hong Kong China’s Chan Ho Yuen Daniel. Chan, who had previously served as interim chair earlier this year, will now take on the position full-time, bringing his experience and dedication to representing Para badminton athletes worldwide.
“I am deeply honoured to be elected as chair of the BWF Para Athletes’ Commission. This appointment is not only a personal milestone for me but also a significant recognition of the dedication and progress made by Para badminton athletes globally,” said Chan.
Commission Members
Sindhu will be supported by deputy chair Debora Jille of the Netherlands, along with player representatives An Se Young (Korea), Doha Hany (Egypt), and Jia Yi Fan (China) on the Athletes’ Commission. In the Para Badminton wing, Denmark’s Cathrine Rosengren will serve as Chan’s deputy, alongside members Amy Burnett (USA), Guillaume Gailly (France), Abu Hubaida (India), and Tarek Abbas Gharib Zahry (Egypt).
Additionally, Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha, the first female badminton player to represent Iran at the Olympic Games during Tokyo 2020, has recently been appointed as one of the five new members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission, further highlighting the growing representation of athletes in decision-making roles within sports organizations.
In conclusion, with PV Sindhu and Chan Ho Yuen Daniel taking on key leadership roles within the BWF Athletes’ Commission and Para Badminton wing respectively, the voices of badminton players and Para badminton athletes are set to be heard and represented at the highest levels of governance and decision-making in the sport.
Empowering Athletes in Badminton Governance
Badminton, a sport known for its agility, precision, and strategy, is not only captivating to watch but also offers a platform for athletes to actively participate in shaping the future of the sport. With the recent appointments of PV Sindhu and Chan Ho Yuen Daniel to key leadership roles within the BWF Athletes’ Commission and Para Badminton wing, respectively, the landscape of badminton governance is evolving to be more inclusive and athlete-centric.
As the newly elected chair of the BWF Athletes’ Commission, PV Sindhu brings a unique perspective as a highly accomplished badminton player, having secured multiple accolades on the global stage. Her experience, combined with her passion for the sport, positions her as a formidable advocate for athletes’ rights and interests within the BWF. Through her role as chair, Sindhu aims to bridge the gap between players and administrators, ensuring that athlete voices are heard and valued in decision-making processes.
Similarly, Chan Ho Yuen Daniel’s appointment as the chair of the Para Badminton wing signifies a commitment to advancing opportunities and representation for Para badminton athletes worldwide. His dedication to the sport and advocacy for inclusivity make him a fitting leader to champion the interests of Para badminton players within the BWF framework.
Enhancing Diversity and Representation
With the inclusion of diverse athlete representatives from various countries on the Athletes’ Commission and Para Badminton wing, the BWF is fostering a culture of inclusivity and global collaboration. Debora Jille, An Se Young, Doha Hany, Jia Yi Fan, Cathrine Rosengren, Amy Burnett, Guillaume Gailly, Abu Hubaida, Tarek Abbas Gharib Zahry, and Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha collectively represent a tapestry of voices that reflect the richness and diversity of the badminton community.
The recent appointment of Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha to the IOC Athletes’ Commission further underscores the increasing representation of athletes in decision-making positions across sports organizations. As the first female badminton player from Iran to compete in the Olympic Games, Soraya’s appointment symbolizes a significant step towards gender equality and diversity in sports governance.
Shaping the Future of Badminton
By empowering athletes to take on leadership roles within the BWF and other international sports bodies, the landscape of badminton governance is evolving to prioritize athlete welfare, representation, and participation. PV Sindhu, Chan Ho Yuen Daniel, and their fellow commission members are poised to drive positive change, advocate for athletes’ rights, and shape the future of badminton for generations to come.
As fans of the sport, stakeholders, and athletes themselves, the collective efforts of these individuals are instrumental in fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and excellence within badminton. Through their leadership, dedication, and vision, they are paving the way for a brighter and more athlete-centric future for badminton on the global stage.
With PV Sindhu and Chan Ho Yuen Daniel at the helm of the BWF Athletes’ Commission and Para Badminton wing, the future of badminton governance looks promising, with athletes playing a central role in shaping policies, programs, and initiatives that will propel the sport to new heights of success and inclusivity.
