HYDERABAD: Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMBL) today announced the launch of India Junior International Series 2026, a Badminton World Federation (BWF)-sanctioned junior tournament. This tournament is being hosted at the Kotak Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy from August 19th to 23rd, 2026.
The tournament forms part of Kotak Mahindra Bank’s long-term commitment to nurturing sporting talent in India. Through its partnership with the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Foundation, Kotak has supported the establishment of the Kotak Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, a world-class institution focused on identifying and developing young badminton talent through expert coaching, high-performance infrastructure and competitive exposure.
A key fixture on the international junior badminton calendar, the India Junior International Series 2026 will give young athletes an opportunity to compete against leading junior talent from around the world and earn valuable BWF ranking points. By bringing together players from multiple countries, the tournament will also promote sportsmanship, international camaraderie and cross-cultural exchange. For emerging Indian shuttlers it will provide international competitive exposure at a crucial stage of their development.
Through sustained investments in sports infrastructure, athlete development and competitive opportunities, Kotak aims to support promising athletes, strengthen India’s badminton ecosystem and advance its broader CSR vision of fostering inclusive growth and nation-building through sport.
The continued hosting of the tournament by the academy in Hyderabad further strengthens the city’s position as a leading destination for badminton. It also provides players from Telangana and neighbouring states with an opportunity to experience international competition closer to home, encouraging wider participation and greater aspirations in the sport.
Speaking on the occasion, Himanshu Nivsarkar – Head, CSR & ESG, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said, “The Kotak Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy has played an important role in nurturing young badminton talent over the years. We are proud to support initiatives that help aspiring athletes learn, grow and realize their potential. The India Junior International Series gives young players an opportunity to compete at an international level and gain valuable experience early in their sporting journey. We hope this tournament continues to inspire the next generation of badminton players and contributes to the growth of the sport in India.”
Pullela Gopichand, Chief National Coach of the Indian badminton team and Founder, Pullela Gopichand Badminton Foundation, said, “International competition at the junior level plays an important role in an athlete’s development. It allows young players to test their skills against different playing styles, build confidence and understand the demands of competing at a higher level. By bringing talented junior players from India and other countries together, the India Junior International Series provides a valuable platform for learning and growth. I am grateful to Kotak Mahindra Bank for its continued support in creating opportunities that can help shape the future of Indian badminton.”
This year’s tournament will bring together over 225 junior players from England, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, USA, UAE and India competing across singles and doubles categories. The opening ceremony will take place on August 19th, while the finals are scheduled for August 23rd followed by the prize distribution ceremony.
(India CSR)
