How periods became a live issue at the Delhi World Championships

The World Championships in Delhi have become a pivotal moment for discussing the issue of periods in women's badminton. Mia Blichfeldt, a vocal critic from India, has formed the Women's Badminton Collective (WBC) to address the concerns of women players. One of their first achievements was convincing Chinese star Huang Dong Ping, a three-time World Championship medallist, to speak about the impact of menstrual cycles on athletes.

Dong Ping highlighted the difficulties faced during breaks, especially in mixed doubles, where players must balance competing with their physiological needs. The BWF is considering changes to accommodate this reality, but the Delhi organisers have already taken a step by providing sanitary napkins in women's restrooms. Despite ongoing debates, the athletes and organisers are working together to make badminton more women-friendly, recognizing that it's not just about physical strength and resilience, but also about accepting and addressing the biological realities of women athletes.