India’s campaign at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 has suffered an early blow, with the withdrawal of star men’s doubles duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty due to a shoulder injury to Satwik. Their absence leaves a significant gap in India’s medal hopes at the continental tournament in Ningbo, which begins on Tuesday.
Despite the setback, India will rely on a strong singles contingent led by PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen to spearhead the challenge.
Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist and former world champion, returns to competitive action for the first time since her quarter-final run at the Indonesia Masters in January. The 30-year-old had missed the All England Open despite regaining fitness after being stranded at Dubai airport for three days due to flight disruptions amid escalating Middle East tensions, making her comeback a crucial boost for India’s campaign.
Meanwhile, Lakshya arrives in top form after finishing runner-up at the All England Open, strengthening India’s prospects in men’s singles. He will be joined by experienced names like HS Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth, along with rising talent Ayush Shetty.
India’s best results at the Badminton Asia Championships include two gold medals: Dinesh Khanna in men’s singles (1965) and the Satwik-Chirag pair in men’s doubles (2023).
With the top-ranked duo missing, India’s men’s doubles hopes will now rest on combinations like Hariharan Amsakarunan-M R Arjun and Pruthvi K R-Sai Pratheek K.
In women’s singles, Sindhu will lead the charge alongside Malvika Bansod, Unnati Hooda, and promising youngster Tanvi Sharma.
The women’s doubles lineup sees three Indian pairs in action following the withdrawal of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand.
In mixed doubles, the experienced duo of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto will lead the campaign after a quarter-final finish last year. They will be supported by pairs including Rohan Kapoor-Ruthvika Shivani and Ashith Surya-Amrutha Pramuthesh.
With a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, India will look to overcome the setback and improve its modest medal tally at the prestigious continental event.
Badminton Asia Championships 2026: India squad
- Men’s singles: Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy
- Men’s doubles: Hariharan Amsakarunan-M R Arjun, Pruthvi K R-Sai Pratheek K
- Women’s singles: PV Sindhu, Malvika Bansod, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma
- Women’s doubles: Kavipriya Selvam-Simran Singhi, Priya Konjengbam-Shruti Mishra, Ashwini Bhat K-S Gautam
- Mixed doubles: Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto, Rohan Kapoor-Ruthvika Shivani, Ashith Surya-Amrutha Pramuthesh.