In Brief
- PV Sindhu and Satwik-Chirag lead India’s challenge at Badminton Worlds 2026.
- Ayush faces defending champ Shi Yuqi; Lakshya aims to make history.
- Sindhu’s experience will be vital in India’s quest for medals.
- Satwik-Chirag target top spot in the men’s doubles category.
The Badminton World Championships starting here on Monday will be as much a test of India’s growth in the sport as a show of its organizational abilities both on and off the court. Since last hosting the marquee event in 2009—when the nation held just a single medal in the tournament's entire history—India has built an impressive streak, securing at least one medal in every single edition since 2011.
Podium hopes rest heavily on five-time medalist PV Sindhu and premier doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. In men’s singles, rising player Ayush faces defending champion Shi Yuqi in a tough opener, while Lakshya Sen aims for a historic performance. The event presents a crucial opportunity for Indian shuttlers to prove themselves globally and build momentum for future competitions.
