The Yonex-Sunrise 48th Indian Masters (Veteran) National Badminton Championships 2025-26 is being held from March 18 to 25, 2026, at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium in Navelim, Goa. Organised by the Goa Badminton Association (GBA) under the Badminton Association of India (BAI), this is India’s premier national-level tournament for veteran badminton players aged 35 and above.
The championship also serves as a key selection event for the BWF World Senior Badminton Championships. Here is everything you need to know, from eligibility and age categories to registration, venue, and what to expect.
48th Indian Masters Badminton 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yonex-Sunrise 48th Indian Masters (Veteran) National Badminton Championships 2025-26 |
| Dates | March 18–25, 2026 |
| Venue | Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium, Navelim, Goa |
| Organiser | Goa Badminton Association (GBA) under BAI |
| Sanctioning Body | Badminton Association of India (BAI) |
| Title Sponsor | Yonex-Sunrise |
| Age Categories | 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+, 75+ |
| Events Per Category | MS, WS, MD, WD, XD (5 events per age group) |
| Total Events | 45 events across all age groups |
| Entry Fee (Qualifying) | ₹1,000 per player per event |
| Max Events Per Player | 3 (1 Singles, 1 Doubles, 1 Mixed Doubles) |
| Registration Platform | kba.zeetius.com |
| Selection For | BWF World Senior Badminton Championships |
| Edition | 48th |
What Is the Indian Masters (Veteran) Badminton Championship?
The Indian Masters National Badminton Championship is the highest-level domestic tournament for veteran badminton players in India.
It is held once a year and is open to players aged 35 and above, divided into nine age categories. Think of it as the national championship for players who have moved past the senior competitive circuit but still want to compete at the highest level.
The tournament is part of the BAI’s annual domestic calendar, which also includes Senior Nationals, Junior Nationals, Sub-Junior Nationals, and Inter-Institutional Championships.
Winners at the Indian Masters are honoured as National Champions in their age category. More importantly, performance here feeds into selection for the BWF World Senior Badminton Championships, which is the global equivalent for veteran players.
The BWF World Senior Championships, held every two years, features age categories ranging from 35+ to 80+
Age Categories and Events
The tournament is divided into nine age groups. Each group has five events: Men’s Singles (MS), Women’s Singles (WS), Men’s Doubles (MD), Women’s Doubles (WD), and Mixed Doubles (XD).
| Age Category | Eligibility (Born On or Before) | Events |
|---|---|---|
| 35+ | 1991 or earlier | MS, WS, MD, WD, XD |
| 40+ | 1986 or earlier | MS, WS, MD, WD, XD |
| 45+ | 1981 or earlier | MS, WS, MD, WD, XD |
| 50+ | 1976 or earlier | MS, WS, MD, WD, XD |
| 55+ | 1971 or earlier | MS, WS, MD, WD, XD |
| 60+ | 1966 or earlier | MS, WS, MD, WD, XD |
| 65+ | 1961 or earlier | MS, WS, MD, WD, XD |
| 70+ | 1956 or earlier | MS, WS, MD, WD, XD |
| 75+ | 1951 or earlier | MS, WS, MD, WD, XD |
That adds up to 45 events in total. Each player can enter a maximum of three events: one singles, one doubles, and one mixed doubles.
All main draw matches follow the standard best-of-three format with 21-point games (rally-point system). Officials can modify this to best-of-three games of 15 points if required.
Tournament Schedule and Structure
The tournament runs over eight days, from March 18 to 25. Based on the format used in the 47th edition, the championship typically consists of two phases.
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 (First 4–5 days) | 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+ age categories |
| Phase 2 (Remaining days) | 55+, 60+, 65+, 70+, 75+ age categories |
Qualification rounds take place first, followed by the main draw. The later rounds (quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals) typically take place in the final days of the tournament.
In the 47th edition (2025), around 90 technical officials from across India were present to officiate the event. A similar scale of officiating is expected for the 48th edition.
How to Register and Entry Fee Details
Registration Process
All players must register through the official platform: kba.zeetius.com.
Players represent their respective State Badminton Associations or affiliated institutions (like Railways, PSPB, AIU, etc.). Most state associations conduct their own selection trials before sending entries to the BAI.
Entry Fee
The entry fee for qualifying round players is ₹1,000 per player per event. For doubles events, each player pays separately.
So if you are playing singles and doubles, that is ₹2,000. Add mixed doubles, and it becomes ₹3,000.
Payment is done online only through the portal: forms.eduqfix.com/badchampion/add. No spot or cash payments are accepted.
Important Dates for Participants
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Entries Closing Date | February 27, 2026 |
| Entry Fee Payment Deadline | March 8, 2026 |
| Tournament Start | March 18, 2026 |
| Tournament End | March 25, 2026 |
About the Venue: Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium
The Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium is located in Navelim, South Goa. Named after the former Chief Minister of Goa, the stadium was built for the 36th National Games and has since become Goa’s primary indoor sports facility.
The stadium has a seating capacity of around 3,000 to 4,000 and features maple wood flooring, which is standard for international badminton courts. It regularly hosts badminton, volleyball, kabaddi, and basketball events.
Goa has been a regular host for the Indian Masters Nationals. The 43rd edition was held here in 2019, the 45th in 2023, and the venue has been used consistently since then.
The 47th edition in 2025 was held at the Peddem Indoor Stadium in Mapusa (North Goa). For 2026, the tournament returns to Navelim in South Goa.
For players travelling to Goa, Dabolim Airport (GOI) and Manohar International Airport (GOX) at Mopa are both options. Margao Railway Station is the closest major railhead to Navelim.
Why the Indian Masters Matter: Selection for BWF World Seniors
This is not just a recreational tournament. Performance at the Indian Masters Nationals is a critical factor in selection for the BWF World Senior Badminton Championships.
The BWF World Senior Championships is held every two years and features age categories from 35+ to 80+. Winners are crowned World Senior Champions in their category.
In 2025, the BWF World Seniors were held in Pattaya, Thailand. The 47th Indian Masters served as the primary selection base for that event.
So for veteran players with international ambitions, the Indian Masters is the most direct route to representing India on the world stage.
Scale of the Tournament: By the Numbers
To give you a sense of how big this event is, here are some numbers from recent editions.
In the 45th edition (2023), over 2,270 entries across 45 events were received, with players aged 35+ to 75+. That edition was the first one held after a two-year gap due to COVID-19.
The 47th edition (2025) attracted over 2,200 players and 2,700 entries across the same 45 events. That event had a budget of roughly ₹50 lakh, funded through private sponsorships, BAI grants, and entry fees.
The 48th edition is expected to draw a similar or larger number of participants.
Notable Players Who Have Competed in Recent Editions
The Indian Masters attracts former national and international badminton stars who continue to play competitively. Some notable names from recent editions include:
- Leroy D’Sa – former Indian international
- Abhin Shyam Gupta – former Indian national player
- Vijay Lancy – World Champion in MD 45+ and 40+ categories
- Joy Anthony – former Indian international
- Nikhil Kanitkar – former Indian player (also known as a former cricketer)
- Sanave Thomas – former Indian international
- S. Banu – veteran Indian women’s player
- Sandhya Melasheemi – top Goa veteran player
The presence of former internationals alongside club-level veterans is what gives this tournament its unique character. You might find a World Senior Champion playing on the next court to a 70-year-old competing in his first nationals.
Match Format and Rules
- Here is a quick overview of how matches work at the Indian Masters
- Scoring: Best of three games, each played to 21 points (rally point system).
- Alternative format: Officials may use best of three games to 15 points if scheduling requires it.
- Draw structure: Knockout format with qualification rounds for large age categories.
- Eligibility: Players must be registered with their State Badminton Association or an affiliated institution.
- Age proof: The original age certificate must be produced to the Referee before the first match.
The BAI Competition Regulations and General Competition Regulations apply to all matches.
Indian Badminton in 2026: The Bigger Picture
The 48th Indian Masters falls during a landmark year for badminton in India.
New Delhi will host the BWF World Championships in August 2026, marking the first time the event returns to India since Hyderabad in 2009.
India is also preparing for the Thomas and Uber Cup, the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, and the buildup to the LA 2028 Olympics.
While these events focus on the senior circuit, the Indian Masters is a reminder that competitive badminton in India extends far beyond the PV Sindhus and Lakshya Sens of the world. Thousands of players above 35 continue to train, compete, and represent their states at national championships every year.
The veteran circuit is where passion meets longevity. And for a country with an estimated tens of millions of recreational badminton players, events like the Indian Masters serve as the competitive outlet for those who never stopped playing.
Why Goa Keeps Hosting the Indian Masters
If you have noticed that Goa seems to host this tournament almost every year, you are right.
The Goa Badminton Association (GBA) has invested heavily in infrastructure and logistics for veteran badminton events. The Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium provides a world-class venue, and the state government has been supportive through the Sports Authority of Goa.
There is also a practical appeal. Goa in March is warm but not scorching; flights are well connected from most Indian cities, and accommodation options around Navelim and Margao are affordable. For a tournament that attracts 2,000+ players, often self-funded, these factors matter.
The GBA celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2025 and announced multiple initiatives, including grassroots programmes, school outreach, and hosting All India Ranking tournaments.
Tips for First-Time Participants
If this is your first time heading to the Indian Masters, a few things to keep in mind.
- Carry your age proof. An original certificate proving your date of birth is mandatory before your first match.
- Register through your State Association. You cannot enter directly. Your state body must send your entry to BAI.
- Book accommodation early. With 2,000+ players descending on South Goa, hotels around Navelim and Margao fill up fast.
- Bring your own equipment. While Yonex is the title sponsor, rackets and shuttles for personal warm-ups are your responsibility.
- Plan for an 8-day stay. Even if your category plays in one phase, delays and schedule changes are common in large tournaments.
- Stay hydrated. Goa in March is hot. The stadium can get warm despite the indoor setting.
Also Read:
- Upcoming Major Sports Events in India 2026 (Full Calendar)
- Top 10 Most Popular Sports In India (2026 Rankings)
48th Indian Masters (Veteran) Badminton Championships 2026 Starts From 18th March 2026
The 48th Indian Masters (Veteran) Badminton Championships 2026 is the country’s biggest annual gathering of veteran badminton talent. With 45 events, nine age groups, and over 2,000 players expected, it is a week-long celebration of competitive sport that refuses to have an expiry date.
Whether you are a player, a coach, or just someone who wants to see 70-year-olds diving for shuttle drops, Goa is the place to be from March 18 to 25.
