The India Open 2026, a Super 750 event on the BWF World Tour, gets into full swing on Tuesday with an action-packed Round of 32 schedule at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex.
For Indian badminton, the tournament represents both opportunity and examination a chance to convert depth into results on home soil against a strong international field. India enters the season’s first Super 750 with representation across all five disciplines, reflecting the breadth that has steadily developed in recent years. From established medal contenders to emerging combinations seeking consistency, the Indian contingent will be tested immediately by high-quality opposition.
Strong presence across categories
In men’s singles, the focus is firmly on Lakshya Sen, who continues to carry expectations as India’s leading men’s singles player. Known for his big-match temperament and ability to raise intensity on major stages, Sen opens his campaign in a high-profile all-Indian clash against Ayush Shetty. While Sen holds the head-to-head advantage, Shetty’s recent rise and attacking style ensure this is far from a routine opener. HS Prannoy and Srikanth Kidambi add experience to the men’s singles lineup, while Tharun Mannepalli provides a younger presence in the draw. With ranking points crucial early in the Olympic cycle, consistent runs at Super 750 events remain a priority for all.
Women’s singles sees PV Sindhu headline the Indian challenge once again. Playing at home, Sindhu’s presence brings both expectation and belief, especially in a field where early rounds can often be tricky. Malvika Bansod and Tanvi Sharma complete the Indian women’s singles lineup, each looking to capitalise on the opportunity to test themselves against top-tier international opponents.
Doubles depth under scrutiny
India’s doubles depth will be closely watched during this India Open. In men’s doubles, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty remain the clear standard-bearers. Their explosive style and established pedigree at the highest level make them one of India’s strongest medal hopes at the tournament. Alongside them, the Arjun Kapila–Hariharan Amsakarunan pairing will look to use the home conditions to their advantage as they seek to build momentum against international competition.
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Women’s doubles features a large Indian presence, underlining the growing depth in the discipline. Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, the country’s top-ranked women’s pair, lead the charge and begin their campaign against Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai of Thailand, a familiar and formidable pairing. With a favorable head-to-head record, Treesa and Gayatri will be keen to start confidently and establish rhythm early in the tournament.
Supporting them are multiple Indian combinations, including Shruti Mishra–Priya Konjengbam, Panda sisters Rutaparna and Swetaparna, Singhi–Selvam, Gayatri–Mansa, and Ashwini Ponnappa partnering Shikha Gautam. For several of these pairs, the India Open provides a valuable platform to test combinations, gain exposure, and build ranking points in a demanding Super 750 environment.
Mixed doubles challenges
Mixed doubles continues to be an area of transition for India, but the lineup reflects increasing experimentation and ambition. Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto headline the discipline, opening their campaign against Japan’s Hiroki Matsuyama. The pairing has shown promise in recent months, and consistency at this level will be key as India look to establish a reliable mixed doubles presence internationally.
Other Indian combinations, including Rohan Kapoor–Ruthvika Shivani, Ashith Surya–Amrutha Pramuthesh, and Dhruv Kapila partnering Manisha Ramadass, will also be in action during the opening rounds. While results remain secondary to development for some of these pairs, strong performances could signal progress in a discipline where margins are often thin.
A packed opening day
The Round of 32 schedule on 13 January promises non-stop action across courts. Matches involving Indian players are spread across mixed doubles, women’s doubles, men’s singles, and men’s doubles, ensuring sustained interest throughout the day. With live coverage available on BWF TV via YouTube, fans will be able to follow every key contest as India’s campaign gathers momentum.
Beyond individual match-ups, the India Open 2026 serves as an early-season barometer. It will reveal where Indian badminton stands in terms of form, fitness, and tactical sharpness against elite global competition. For some, it is about immediate results; for others, it is about measuring progress and identifying gaps.
As the Super 750 unfolds, Indian shuttlers will look to harness home support and familiarity with conditions to make a strong start to the year. The Round of 32 is only the beginning, but the tone set here could shape India’s trajectory in the early part of the 2026 season.
