More than 225 junior badminton players from eight countries are competing in the India Junior International Series 2026, a Badminton World Federation (BWF)-sanctioned tournament being held at the Kotak Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad from August 19 to 23. Organised with the support of Kotak Mahindra Bank and the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Foundation, the tournament features players from India, England, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, the US and the UAE across singles and doubles categories. The event will provide emerging shuttlers with international competitive exposure and an opportunity to earn BWF ranking points.
Kotak Mahindra Bank said the tournament is part of its long-term efforts to support sporting talent through investment in infrastructure, athlete development and competitive opportunities. The academy, established through its partnership with the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Foundation, has 23 international-standard courts, a high-performance gymnasium and residential facilities. In Kolkata, the tournament could add to the growing interest in structured junior sports and international-level training opportunities among young athletes in eastern India. The event also offers a model for greater corporate participation in developing sporting talent beyond traditional cricket-focused initiatives.
Kotak’s Himanshu Nivsarkar and badminton coach Pullela Gopichand highlighted the importance of international competition in building confidence, skills and experience among young players. The finals and prize distribution are scheduled for August 23.