Two of badminton’s most accomplished and long-serving athletes, Pusarla V. Sindhu and Chan Ho Yuen Daniel, have been elected Chairs of the BWF Athletes’ Commission and BWF Para Badminton Athletes’ Commission respectively for the 2026–2029 term. Both will now serve as BWF Council Members, giving players a direct voice in the federation’s global governance.
Having served on the Commission since 2017 and as a BWF Integrity Ambassador since 2020, India’s Pusarla brings extensive experience and influence to the role. She is a two-time Olympic medallist and 2019 World Champion.
Pusarla said of her new position: “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.”
Sindhu, the popular choice to lead the BWF Athletes’ Commission.
She will be supported by Deputy Chair Debora Jille of the Netherlands. As previously announced, An Se Young (Korea), Doha Hany (Egypt), and Jia Yi Fan (China) are the other player representatives on the Commission.
In Para badminton, Hong Kong China’s 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.
“My vision is to strengthen the connection between Para athletes and the BWF, ensuring that every athlete’s voice is heard, respected, and represented.
“As both an athlete and a member of the BWF Council, I will work to promote fairness, accessibility, and longterm development for our sport.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. I look forward to serving our athletes and building a stronger future for Para badminton.”
New BWF Para Badminton Athletes’ Commission Chair, Chan Ho Yuen Daniel.
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.
In related news, Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha, a trailblazer for Iranian sport and 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.
Aghaei’s inclusion reflects the IOC’s commitment to diversity and athlete representation. Her appointment strengthens her influence within the Olympic Movement, with the IOC Executive Board also nominating her for full IOC membership to be confirmed at the 145th IOC Session in Milan next February.
Soraya joins the IOC Athletes’ Commission.
BWF Newsletter
