From Haryana to Europe: Indian Coach Nitesh Yadav Makes History with BWF Level 3 Certification
Nitesh Yadav Becomes Fourth Indian to Earn BWF Level 3 Certification
In a historic milestone for Indian badminton, Nitesh Yadav — a seasoned coach hailing from Narnaul, Haryana — recently the result got announced and he has become one of only four Indians to earn the prestigious BWF Level 3 Coach Education certification, the highest coaching qualification awarded by the Badminton World Federation.
The intensive five-month international programme concluded with a centralized in-person assessment in Dubai between May 24–29, 2025, marking the first-ever centralized edition of the BWF Level 3 course. Only 18 coaches worldwide were selected after rigorous CV analysis, with Yadav making it to the elite group. Among all Indian coaches, he now stands alone as the only one to hold both the NS NIS Diploma in Sports Coaching and the BWF Level 3 badge — a unique distinction in Indian badminton history.
🇱🇹 Coaching Lithuania to New Heights
Currently serving as the National Coach of Lithuania’s Adult and U19 teams, Yadav is leading a long-term national project aiming to prepare athletes for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, in collaboration with the Lithuanian Sports Ministry, Vilnius Municipality, and Capital Badminton Club, where he also acts as Head Coach.
His journey from coaching India’s junior national players to guiding a European nation’s Olympic dreams is nothing short of remarkable. Since taking the reins in Lithuania, his impact has been immediate and measurable.
“Two of our young players — Jore Kavaliuskaite (15) and Jorune Salnaite (16) — became the youngest duo ever to qualify for the Adults European Badminton Championships 2025. Jore is the youngest athlete ever to qualify in the history of the event,” Yadav proudly shared.
Under his leadership, Lithuanian athletes have gone on to win multiple junior international titles and clinched medals at adult-level championships as well — achievements previously unheard of for the Baltic nation.
🎓 A Course That Redefines Coaching
The BWF Level 3 programme is not just about personal accolades — it’s about mastering the art of developing badminton across an entire nation. The course included pre-course assignments, a week of rigorous face-to-face training in Dubai, and a three-month follow-up with video analysis, session planning, and project submissions.
“The most challenging part wasn’t the technical work — it was being asked to break and rebuild our coaching philosophies,” said Yadav. “We were pushed to rethink everything, especially how to develop talent from the grassroots level.”
🇮🇳 A Trailblazer for Indian Coaching
Yadav joins an exclusive club of Indian coaches with BWF Level 3 certification, alongside Kamaldeep Singh and Nishant Kautekar (both working in Sweden), and Balachandran (based in India).
“It’s a rare qualification — only two candidates per country can apply, and even then, only a few are selected globally. This isn’t just a badge — it’s a responsibility to uplift the sport wherever we are,” Yadav said.
Looking ahead, Yadav expresses a desire to contribute directly to Indian badminton, potentially collaborating with the Badminton Association of India in the future.
📌 A Legacy in the Making
From the traditional courts of Haryana to the world-class arenas of Europe, Nitesh Yadav’s journey is a story of perseverance, growth, and global achievement. He is not just coaching players — he is shaping systems, inspiring young talents, and redefining the identity of Indian badminton on the international stage. His dedication, backed by experience and a deep sense of purpose, continues to influence the sport’s evolution both in India and abroad.