The India Open 2028 will move from New Delhi to Guwahati, with the National Centre of Excellence set to host the major badminton tournament from January 25 to 30. BAI general secretary Sanjay Mishra said the Republic Day period would create logistical difficulties for players, practice sessions and tournament operations in the capital.
Guwahati to host India Open 2028
The Badminton Association of India has decided to take the 2028 edition of the India Open to Guwahati instead of its traditional New Delhi base. The National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati will stage the tournament, strengthening the northeastern city's growing role in Indian and international badminton.
According to Mishra, the decision is linked primarily to the tournament dates rather than a permanent move away from Delhi. The India Open 2028 is scheduled for January 25 to 30, placing Republic Day on January 26 directly within the competition period.
Speaking to reporters after the World Championships, Mishra said the Republic Day period makes conditions difficult for players, particularly when it comes to practice and smooth tournament operations in the national capital.
Republic Day clash prompts BAI decision
Republic Day brings extensive security arrangements and movement restrictions to New Delhi. With an international badminton tournament requiring practice facilities, transportation and tightly coordinated schedules, BAI determined that Guwahati would be the more practical venue for the 2028 competition.
The switch is planned for one edition. Mishra said the India Open would return to New Delhi the following year, indicating that Guwahati is an alternative host rather than a permanent replacement for the capital.
The NCE Guwahati already has experience staging major badminton competitions, giving BAI an established venue for the temporary shift.
India Open 2027 gets February dates
Before the Guwahati edition, New Delhi will host the India Open 2027 from February 2 to 7. That represents a notable calendar adjustment after the 2026 tournament was staged from January 13 to 18 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
Mishra said changing tournament dates independently is difficult because the Badminton World Federation coordinates its international calendar around events worldwide. Altering one competition can affect other tournaments and player schedules across the season.
The fixed nature of the BWF calendar helps explain why BAI opted for a venue change in 2028 rather than attempting to move the event away from the Republic Day period.
BAI backs Indian shuttlers to recover
Mishra also backed Indian shuttlers to respond strongly after disappointing results at the recent tournament. He said expecting players to win at every competition was unrealistic and stressed that India's leading players have demonstrated their ability to defeat top international opponents.
The move also gives Guwahati another opportunity to establish itself as an international badminton destination. Hosting the India Open 2028 at the National Centre of Excellence could bring greater attention to badminton infrastructure in northeast India while allowing the tournament to operate away from Republic Day-related pressures in New Delhi.
