The biggest stage in badminton is here again as the BWF World Championships 2025 kick off, and India’s top shuttlers are ready to launch their campaigns in Copenhagen.
The opening round of 64 brings intriguing contests for India, headlined by two-time World Championships medalist PV Sindhu, men’s singles stalwart HS Prannoy, and the mixed doubles duo Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Gadde.
All eyes will be on PV Sindhu (World Rank 15) as she begins her pursuit of another deep run at the Worlds. Sindhu, who has a decorated history in this tournament with a gold (2019), two silvers, and two bronzes, will face Kaloyana Nalbantova of Bulgaria (WR 69) in her opening match. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two players (H2H 0–0). While Sindhu brings unmatched big-stage experience, Nalbantova will be looking to cause an early upset with nothing to lose.
The match is scheduled for Court 2, Match 7, at 5:30 PM IST. A strong start here will set the tone for Sindhu’s campaign, especially after a year where she has been steadily rebuilding form and fitness following injuries and a coaching transition.
HS Prannoy’s Test Against Finland’s Oldorff
Indian men’s singles spearhead HS Prannoy (WR 34) will also be in action later in the evening. He faces Joakim Oldorff of Finland (WR 47) in what promises to be a competitive encounter. This is another first-time meeting (H2H 0–0). Prannoy, known for his gritty performances against higher-ranked opponents, enters the Championships looking to rediscover the spark that has made him India’s most consistent men’s singles player over the last Olympic cycle.
His clash is set for Court 2, Match 8, at 6:20 PM IST, immediately after Sindhu’s match, making it a high-energy back-to-back for Indian fans.
Mixed Doubles Duo Rohan Kapoor & Ruthvika Gadde Start Off
India’s challenge in the doubles category will be represented by Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Gadde (WR 33). The Indian pair takes on the Macau duo of Leong Iok Chong and Ng Weng Chi (WR 66) in their Round of 64 match. Like Sindhu and Prannoy’s matches, this will also be their first-ever meeting (H2H 0–0). The Indians come in with the higher ranking and will look to assert themselves early, but the unpredictability of doubles means no result is guaranteed. Their match is scheduled for Court 3, Match 11, at 9:00 PM IST, rounding off India’s opening day fixtures.
India has enjoyed remarkable success at the World Championships in recent years, with Sindhu’s gold in 2019 standing as the high point. In men’s singles, Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth have also delivered semifinal runs in the past. The 2025 edition is particularly crucial as it marks the first major tournament after the Paris Olympics, giving players a chance to reset and lay down markers ahead of the next Olympic cycle leading into Los Angeles 2028.
What to Expect
- Sindhu: Will look for a dominant performance to ease into the tournament and build momentum.
- Prannoy: Needs to navigate a tricky opener and show consistency to aim for another deep run.
- Kapoor & Gadde: Will aim to progress and test themselves against the world’s best pairs later in the draw.
With three Indians beginning their campaigns on the same day, fans can expect a rollercoaster of emotions. All matches will be streamed live on JioCinema/Hotstar, ensuring supporters across the country can follow every smash, rally, and point.
Today Fixtures for India – Round of 64 (August 26, 2025):
- PV Sindhu (WR 15) vs Kaloyana Nalbantova (WR 69) – 5:30 PM IST, Court 2
- HS Prannoy (WR 34) vs Joakim Oldorff (WR 47) – 6:20 PM IST, Court 2
- Rohan Kapoor / Ruthvika Gadde (WR 33) vs Leong Iok Chong / Ng Weng Chi (WR 66) – 9:00 PM IST, Court 3
As the World Championships begin, Indian fans will be hoping for a strong start from their stars, with Sindhu and Prannoy leading the way in singles and Kapoor–Gadde adding firepower in doubles.
