India’s shuttlers face a challenging draw at the BWF World Championships 2026, scheduled from August 17-23 in New Delhi. Asian Championships silver medallist Ayush Shetty will take on defending champion and top seed Shi Yuqi in the opening round.
Former world champion PV Sindhu begins her campaign against Ireland’s Sophia Nobel, while Lakshya Sen faces Austria’s Collins Valentine Filimon. Men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty received a first-round bye.
Hosting the World Championships after 17 years, India hopes for multiple medals, with Sindhu leading the challenge following her recent Japan Open triumph and Ayush eyeing a major upset.