Jalandhar: In a major boost to badminton in Punjab, the state is set to host a national championship after a gap of four decades. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has allotted the 38th Sub-Junior National Badminton Championship to Punjab.
According to Ritin Khanna, honorary secretary of the Punjab Badminton Association (PBA), the championship will be held from December 9 to 12, 2026, at the Raizada Hansraj Badminton Stadium. Around 350 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 said that the hosting rights were granted after BAI reviewed the upgraded infrastructure at the venue. He added that a total cash prize of ₹10 lakh will be awarded to the winners.
The championship will feature under-13 boys’ and girls’ singles and doubles events, conducted under the supervision of BAI officials. The PBA will make arrangements for boarding and lodging of players, coaches, managers, and officials.
He further said that the event will provide a major boost to budding shuttlers in Punjab by giving them exposure to top young talent at the national level.
Notably, the stadium has undergone a major upgrade over the past five years with an investment of around ₹1 crore. It now features 10 courts, a gymnasium, a restaurant, a sports shop, and a physiotherapy centre. Former Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur had also visited the facility and appreciated the efforts of the District Badminton Association, Jalandhar. 
Ekjot Singh
Special Correspondent covering governance, public policy, and development for Punjab Today.
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