Cook Islands’ withdrawal prompts redraw in Suhandinata Cup; 36 countries set to battle across revamped group stages in BWF World Junior Championships
New Delhi, September 17, 2025: The stage is set for a thrilling fortnight of junior badminton as India prepares to host the Yonex Sunrise BWF World Junior Championships 2025 in Guwahati from October 6–19. Returning to Indian soil after 17 years, the tournament received an unexpected twist on Wednesday when the Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced a redraw of the mixed team competition, also known as the Suhandinata Cup, following the withdrawal of the Cook Islands.
The new grouping has placed host nation and second seeds India in Group H, alongside the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sri Lanka, and Nepal. While Nepal was part of the original draw, the inclusion of UAE and Sri Lanka provides a fresh dynamic to the group. For India, the reshuffle offers both opportunity and responsibility: as hosts and one of the seeded teams, the expectation is firmly on progressing deep into the competition.
India’s Path in Group H
India’s placement in Group H positions them as strong favourites to advance, given their depth of young talent and strong recent performances at the junior level. Facing UAE, Sri Lanka, and Nepal will not only test India’s consistency but also allow their younger squad members to gain invaluable international exposure ahead of the knockout stages. With the tournament being held at the state-of-the-art National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati, the home advantage could prove decisive.
Local fans are expected to turn out in large numbers, creating a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of India’s growing badminton culture. The pressure, however, will be equally high, as the home side shoulders the weight of expectation to deliver.
Major Shifts in Group Dynamics
The redraw has significantly reshaped the competitive landscape across all eight groups.
- Group A: Top seeds Thailand will take on Japan, Portugal, and Ireland. The presence of Japan, a strong contender, makes this group particularly intriguing.
- Group B: France leads the group and faces challenges from the USA, Egypt, Vietnam, and Norway, ensuring a diverse mix of playing styles.
- Group C: Malaysia is grouped with Australia, Canada, and Slovakia a section where the Malaysians will look to dominate.
- Group D: Traditional powerhouse China, with a staggering 14 Suhandinata Cup titles, will face Türkiye, England, Uganda, and Ghana. China’s depth makes them outright favourites.
- Group E: Chinese Taipei spearheads a tough pool featuring Denmark, Singapore, Netherlands, and Brazil. The Denmark clash promises fireworks.
- Group F: Defending champions Indonesia will play Hong Kong China, Slovenia, and the Philippines. Indonesia’s formidable reputation ensures they enter as favourites, but Hong Kong China’s challenge cannot be ignored.
- Group G: South Korea, three-time winners, join Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Bhutan. While Korea’s pedigree makes them clear favourites, the group provides valuable exposure for emerging European nations and Bhutan.
- Group H: India (2), UAE, Sri Lanka, and Nepal a group designed for India to assert their dominance at home.
This reshuffling underscores the unpredictable nature of international sport, where even a single team withdrawal can alter the competitive balance across multiple pools.
The World Junior Championships always serve as a window into the future of badminton, showcasing the stars of tomorrow. This year is no different, with 36 nations vying for glory.
Thailand, riding on their top-seed status, arrive with one of their most promising junior squads in years. China, perennial favourites, will once again look to assert their dominance and extend their record tally of Suhandinata Cup wins. Indonesia, the defending champions, bring both confidence and the burden of expectation as they chase back-to-back titles. South Korea and Japan, both strong in youth development, will be dark horses with the potential to cause major upsets.
For India, the Suhandinata Cup offers a golden chance to strengthen its reputation as a rising badminton powerhouse. Over the past decade, India has consistently produced world-class talent, from P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal to Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. The Guwahati event represents the next step in ensuring that pipeline continues to thrive.
Significance of Hosting After 17 Years
The return of the World Junior Championships to India after nearly two decades highlights the country’s growing stature in world badminton. The National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati a facility designed to nurture elite talent will not only serve as the tournament’s venue but also as a symbol of India’s long-term investment in the sport.
Hosting the event provides young Indian players the dual benefit of home support and top-tier exposure, crucial factors in accelerating their growth. For fans, it is a rare opportunity to witness the future of world badminton unfold in their backyard. With the redraw finalised, the countdown to October 6 has truly begun. Teams are set to arrive in Guwahati over the coming weeks, and preparations are in full swing. The Suhandinata Cup, with its unique mixed-team format, ensures that players across disciplines men’s singles, women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles contribute equally to their nation’s fortunes.
For India, the focus will be on ensuring smooth passage through Group H before bracing for sterner challenges in the knockout rounds. While their seeding and group placement provide a favourable start, the true test will come against global heavyweights like China, Indonesia, and Thailand. As the Yonex Sunrise BWF World Junior Championships 2025 returns to India, the excitement is palpable. The Suhandinata Cup promises not only high-quality badminton but also a glimpse of the sport’s future stars.
With 36 countries, revamped groups, and the home advantage, Guwahati is ready to host a celebration of youth, talent, and the global spirit of badminton.
