India experienced a mixed day at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 in Ningbo, China, as rising star Ayush Shetty continued his dream run into the quarterfinals, while seasoned campaigners P. V. Sindhu and H. S. Prannoy bowed out in the Round of 16 on Thursday.
The 20-year-old Ayush, already the standout Indian performer of the tournament, followed up his stunning opening-round upset of World No. 7 Li Shi Feng with another clinical straight-games victory. He defeated Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen, ranked World No. 20, 21-16, 21-12 in just 41 minutes to secure a place in the last eight.
Ayush builds momentum with controlled aggression
Ayush’s performance against Chi Yu Jen highlighted his growing maturity and tactical awareness at the elite level. After an intense first-round win, the challenge was to maintain consistency—and the young Indian delivered.
The opening game began evenly, with both players locked at 4-4. Chi briefly took control, opening up a 10-6 lead heading into the mid-game interval. However, Ayush responded with composure, tightening his net play and reducing unforced errors.
He clawed back to level at 12-12 before shifting gears. Using his height advantage effectively, Ayush unleashed steep smashes that forced errors from his opponent. A decisive run of points saw him move ahead 18-14, and he closed out the game 21-16 with authority.
In the second game, Ayush asserted dominance early, racing to a 4-0 lead. Although Chi attempted a comeback, the Indian maintained control through aggressive returns and disciplined shot selection. Leading 11-7 at the interval, Ayush never allowed the momentum to slip.
He extended his lead to 16-9 with sharp net play and precise placement, before sealing the match 21-12 with a crisp backhand winner at the net.
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With this victory, Ayush advances to the quarterfinals, where he will face Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie, the 2024 Asian champion. The upcoming clash will be a significant test of Ayush’s credentials against one of the most experienced and tactically astute players on the circuit.
However, given his current form having already defeated a top-10 player and a top-20 opponent Ayush enters the contest with growing confidence and belief.
In women’s singles, P. V. Sindhu’s return to competition after a two-month break ended in disappointment. The two-time Olympic medallist went down 18-21, 8-21 to China’s World No. 2 Wang Zhi Yi, a two-time former champion. Sindhu showed glimpses of competitiveness in the opening game, staying within touching distance and pushing Wang in rallies. However, she was unable to capitalise on key moments, and the Chinese shuttler edged the game 21-18.
The second game saw a sharp drop in momentum for Sindhu. Wang raised her intensity, dominating rallies with precision and pace, while Sindhu struggled to find rhythm. The Indian managed just eight points as Wang closed out the match comfortably.
The result underlines the challenge of returning to top-level competition after a break, particularly against in-form opponents of Wang’s calibre.
Prannoy’s comeback cut short
H. S. Prannoy, making his return after a shoulder injury, also exited in the Round of 16 following a straight-games defeat to China’s Weng Hong Yang. The Indian lost 12-21, 19-21 in a match where he showed flashes of resistance but lacked consistency.
Prannoy struggled in the opening game, with Weng dictating play and building an early lead. In the second game, the Indian raised his level, pushing the contest to 19-19. However, crucial errors at the closing stages allowed Weng to wrap up the match in straight games.
While the result is a setback, Prannoy’s performance especially in the second game offers some positives as he works his way back to full fitness.
Mixed doubles setback
India’s mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also exited the tournament after a straight-games loss to Malaysia’s fourth-seeded pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei. The Indian duo went down 13-21, 14-21, unable to match the pace and coordination of their higher-ranked opponents.
Focus shifts to remaining contenders
Despite the exits of senior players, India’s campaign remains alive through Ayush Shetty’s impressive run. Later in the day, young shuttler Unnati Hooda and the women’s doubles pair of Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra were scheduled to take the court, offering further opportunities for Indian representation in the later stages.
Thursday’s results reflect a broader transition phase in Indian badminton. While established names like Sindhu and Prannoy faced early exits, the emergence of Ayush Shetty signals the rise of the next generation. His ability to deliver back-to-back high-quality performances against strong opposition highlights both potential and readiness for bigger stages.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will now be on Ayush as he prepares for his toughest test yet. A quarterfinal clash against Jonatan Christie presents an opportunity not just to advance further, but to firmly announce himself among Asia’s elite.
For Indian badminton, the narrative is clear while experience remains vital, the future is already beginning to take shape.
