Chiang Mai, Thailand | 10 July 2026: The Woodball Association of India (WAI) is proud to announce that Subhash Budiya and Banshi Lal, both from Rajasthan, have won the Bronze Medal in the Men’s Doubles event at the IWbF University Woodball Championship 2026, held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 4–9 July 2026.
Both medal winners are students of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (MJP) Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Subhash Budiya is pursuing Master of Physical Education (M.P.Ed.), while Banshi Lal is pursuing Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.Ed.). Their remarkable achievement is a matter of immense pride for the University and reflects the growing standard of university sports in India.
The championship featured leading university woodball athletes from ten participating nations—India, China, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Displaying exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork, the Indian pair battled through a highly competitive field to secure a well-deserved place on the podium.
The Indian contingent participated in the championship under the leadership of Team Official and Coach, Ms. Arpita Krishna Gupta, whose guidance, technical expertise, and unwavering support played a pivotal role in the team’s outstanding performance throughout the tournament.
Congratulating the medal winners, Adv. Sudeep Manwatkar, Chief Executive Officer, Woodball Association of India, said:
“The bronze medal won by Subhash Budiya and Banshi Lal is a proud milestone for Indian woodball and reflects the dedication, discipline, and perseverance of our athletes. I also congratulate our Team Official and Coach, Ms. Arpita Krishna Gupta, for her exemplary leadership in guiding the Indian contingent. This success belongs to the entire team and reinforces India’s growing stature in international woodball. I further congratulate Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (MJP) Rohilkhand University for nurturing talented student-athletes capable of excelling on the global stage.”
Dr. Ashish Deshmukh, President, Woodball Association of India and Hon’ble MLA, also extended his heartfelt congratulations to Subhash Budiya, Banshi Lal, Team Official and Coach Ms. Arpita Krishna Gupta, and the entire Indian contingent. He lauded the athletes for their outstanding achievement on the international stage and described their success as a proud moment for Indian sports. He expressed confidence that this accomplishment would inspire many young sportspersons across the country to pursue woodball with dedication and determination.
Mr. Ajay Sontakke, General Secretary, Woodball Association of India, and Dr. Pravin Manwatkar, Hon’ble Treasurer, Woodball Association of India, also extended their heartfelt congratulations to Subhash Budiya, Banshi Lal, Ms. Arpita Krishna Gupta, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (MJP) Rohilkhand University, and the entire Indian contingent. They commended the athletes for their exceptional performance and stated that this achievement reflects the steady growth of Indian woodball and will inspire a new generation of players to represent the nation with pride.
The Woodball Association of India extends its sincere appreciation to the International Woodball Federation (IWbF) and the Organising Committee for successfully hosting the championship and providing an excellent platform for university athletes to compete at the highest level while promoting friendship, sportsmanship, and international cooperation among participating nations.
This international bronze medal further strengthens India’s growing presence in global woodball and reflects the continued efforts of the Woodball Association of India to develop world-class athletes through structured coaching, competitive exposure, and grassroots development. The Association remains committed to promoting woodball across the country and nurturing young talent capable of achieving excellence on the international stage.
The Woodball Association of India now looks forward to an equally impressive performance by Team India at the upcoming 10th World Cup Woodball Championship 2026 and the 26th Malaysia Open International Woodball Championship to be held in Perlis, Malaysia.
Issued by:
Woodball Association of India (WAI)
