With the doubles campaign taking a hit, all eyes now turn to Lakshya Sen and P.V. Sindhu as India pins its hopes on ending a long-standing singles title drought at the Badminton Asia Championships.
India’s singles hopes now rest on Lakshya Sen and the experienced P.V. Sindhu, who are determined to make a deep run in the competition.
The duo carries the responsibility of ending India’s 61-year wait for a singles title at the Badminton Asia Championships. This adds extra significance to their campaign.
Former national champion Dinesh Khanna remains the only Indian to win the men’s singles gold at this event. He achieved the historic feat back in 1965.
Even after decades, that victory remains unmatched. It highlights India’s long wait for another singles champion.
Lakshya Sen now has a golden opportunity to follow in Khanna’s footsteps. He enters the tournament with confidence after finishing runner-up at the All England Open Badminton Championships.
The 24-year-old from Almora is set to kick off his campaign against Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu.
From Setback To Comeback: Sindhu Back In Action
P.V. Sindhu returns to action after a difficult European tour that disrupted her momentum on the circuit.
P. V. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, faced travel issues earlier. She was stranded in Dubai due to the West Asia conflict and had to withdraw.
She later skipped the Swiss Open to recover.
Now refreshed, Sindhu is ready to begin her campaign. She will face Malaysia’s Wong Ling Ching and aim for a strong comeback.
India’s Men Gear Up For High-Stakes Battles
India’s men’s singles lineup looks packed, with H.S. Prannoy returned from a shoulder injury and set to begin his campaign against a qualifier.
Kidambi Srikanth faces a tough challenge against Singapore’s eighth seed Loh Kean Yew.
India’s Women Set For Tough Opens
In women’s singles, besides Sindhu, Unnati Hooda will face Thailand’s Supanida Katethong, Tanvi Sharma will take on Malaysia’s K. Letshanaa, and Malvika Bansod will compete against Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan.
In women’s doubles, Ashwini Bhat K. and Shikha Gautam will clash with Thailand’s Hathaithip Mijad and N. Tungkasatan, while Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela take on China’s Luo Yi and Wang Ting Ge.
In women’s doubles, Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra will face a qualifier in their opening match. They will look to start strong.
Doubles Hopes Rest On New Pairs
India’s men’s doubles pair Hariharan Amsakarunan and M. R. Arjun enters the tournament after winning back-to-back titles. These include the 2025 Al Ain Masters Super 100 and the 2025 Turkiye International Challenge.
He and his partner face a tough opening match against top seeds Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae.
P. Krishnamurthy Roy and Sai Pratheek K. will take on Japan’s Kakeru Kumagai and Hiroki Nishi, looking to make a mark in the doubles draw.
Meanwhile, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have withdrawn from the tournament. Rankireddy is dealing with a shoulder injury. This affects India’s doubles chances.
Mixed Doubles Clash Ahead
In mixed doubles, Rohan Kapoor and Gadde Ruthvika Shivani are set to face Malaysia’s eighth-seeded pair, Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie, in a challenging opener.
Ashith Surya and Amrutha Pramuthesh will take on Malaysia’s Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien. They will aim to make a strong impact.
Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto are up against Thailand’s P. Horbanluekit and Benyapa Aimsaard, completing India’s mixed doubles lineup for the championship.
India’s shuttlers are all set to chase glory at the Badminton Asia Championships, with Lakshya Sen and P.V. Sindhu leading the singles charge and strong doubles pairs in the mix.
Can India convert its strong line-up into continental glory?
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