Badminton's World Championships Come to New Delhi
Key Vocabulary
a competition to decide the best player or team
New Delhi is hosting an international championship.
to earn the right to enter a competition
Players must qualify for the World Championships.
local supporters watching an athlete compete in their own country
Indian players will perform in front of a home audience.
a period of play in which the shuttle moves between players
The long rally ended with a difficult smash.
a worried feeling caused by high expectations
Playing at home can create extra pressure.
Article
Some of the world's best badminton players are heading to New Delhi. The BWF World Championships will take place from August 17 to 23 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. [1]
The World Championships are different from normal tournaments on the badminton calendar. Players are competing for a world title, and the event brings together qualified athletes from many countries. [2]
India has a special reason to be excited. It is the host country, and Indian players will compete in front of a home audience. Former world champion P. V. Sindhu is one of the best-known Indian players taking part. [3]
Playing at home can feel comfortable because athletes know the country, food and culture. However, home fans may also expect strong results, which can create extra pressure.
Badminton is extremely fast. Players need speed, balance, endurance and good decision-making. At the highest level, a small mistake in where a player sends the shuttle can quickly decide a rally.
For New Delhi, the championships are also a chance to welcome international visitors and show that the city can organize a major sports event.
The medals will be decided by August 23, but the event may have a longer effect. Seeing top players in person can encourage young fans to imagine themselves holding a racket on the same kind of court one day.
Discussion Questions
- Which sports attract the biggest crowds in your country?
- What advantages and disadvantages do athletes have when competing at home?
- What skills make badminton difficult at a professional level?
- How can hosting a major sports event help a city?
- Which world sporting event would you like to watch in person, and why?
References
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