The stage is set in Changzhou as the China Open 2025 Super 1000 kicks off on July 22.
A major highlight of the BWF calendar, this tournament holds special significance for Indian shuttlers hoping to revive their legacy at a venue that has seen Indian champions in the past but none since the start of the World Tour era.
Here’s a detailed look at India’s matches lined up for the opening day:
Mixed Doubles: A Surya Pramuthesh vs Kusharjanto/Widjaja 🇮🇩
Court 2 | 07:20 AM
The first Indian action of the day comes in mixed doubles, where the young pairing of A Surya Pramuthesh and his partner take on Indonesia’s experienced duo Rehan Kusharjanto and Lisa Ayu Kusumawati Widjaja. It’s the first meeting (H2H 0-0) between the two pairs, making this an unpredictable clash.
For the Indians, it’s a chance to test themselves against one of Asia’s consistent mixed doubles pairs early in the day, which could set the tone for the rest of the contingent.
Women’s Singles: Anupama Upadhyaya vs Lin Hsiang Ti 🇹🇼
Court 3 | 07:20 AM
Parallelly, on Court 3, young Anupama Upadhyaya, one of India’s rising stars in women’s singles, faces Chinese Taipei’s Lin Hsiang Ti. This will also be their first-ever meeting.
Anupama, known for her steady all-court game and resilience, will be aiming to make a mark in this Super 1000 event as she continues her transition to the senior international stage.
Men’s Singles: Prannoy HS vs Koki Watanabe 🇯🇵
Court 3 | 09:00 AM | H2H 0-1
One of the biggest matches of the day for India sees HS Prannoy take on Japan’s Koki Watanabe. The Japanese shuttler holds a narrow head-to-head lead (0-1), but Prannoy’s experience and tactical maturity could help him turn the tables this time.
Having been India’s most consistent men’s singles performer in recent years, Prannoy will look to start strong and aim for a deep run, something Indian players have found elusive at this event in the World Tour era.
Mixed Doubles: Rohan K / Ruthvika G vs Wong T C / Lim C S 🇲🇾
Court 3 | 09:50 AM | H2H 0-1
Later in the morning session, Rohan K and Ruthvika G will face the Malaysian pair Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien, who have won their only previous meeting.
The Indians will need to lift their game against the experienced Malaysians, who are known for fast exchanges and quick net play.
Men’s Singles: Lakshya Sen vs Li Shi Feng 🇨🇳
Court 1 | 10:40 AM | H2H 7-5
One of the marquee matches of the day features Lakshya Sen, India’s top-ranked men’s singles shuttler, up against local favorite and World Tour Finals champion Li Shi Feng. Interestingly, Lakshya holds a positive head-to-head record (7-5) against Li.
This clash promises to be a thriller: Lakshya’s attacking intent and control against Li’s consistency and crowd support in his home country.
Women’s Doubles: Pramuthesh/S Singh vs Hsieh Pei Shan/Hung En Tzu 🇹🇼
Court 3 | 01:10 PM | H2H 0-0
Post-lunch, attention shifts to women’s doubles, where Pramuthesh and S Singh face the Taiwanese duo of Hsieh Pei Shan and Hung En Tzu in their first-ever meeting.
For the Indians, it’s a chance to test their synergy against established Asian pairs.
Women’s Doubles: K Selvam/S Singhi vs L Lam/A Lim 🇭🇰
Court 3 | 02:00 PM | H2H 0-1
Wrapping up India’s opening day schedule, the pair of K Selvam and S Singhi meet Hong Kong’s L Lam and A Lim, who won the previous encounter between the two.
The Indians will hope to reverse that result and keep India’s women’s doubles campaign alive in the draw.
A Big Day for Indian Badminton
The China Open has been historically significant for India:
- Saina Nehwal was champion in 2014 and runner-up in 2015
- Srikanth Kidambi won in 2014
- PV Sindhu lifted the title in 2016
But since the BWF World Tour restructure, Indian players have struggled to get beyond the quarterfinals — most notably Malvika Bansod in 2024, Sai Praneeth in 2019, and Sindhu and Srikanth in 2018.
Can 2025 Change the Script?
With names like Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, Anupama Upadhyaya, and a mix of promising doubles pairs, Indian badminton fans will be hoping for a turnaround. The draw isn’t easy, but big tournaments are built on big surprises.
All eyes are now on Changzhou as the China Open 2025 Super 1000 begins and Indian shuttlers get their shot to make history again. 🏸🇮🇳
If you’d like, I can also draft this into a social media thread, a reel script, or a shorter summary!
