The Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2026 carries a significance beyond its status as one of the most prestigious stops on the BWF World Tour.
For India’s top shuttlers, including former world champion PV Sindhu and men’s doubles stars Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, performing well at home has always held special meaning. This year, that motivation is amplified by the fact that the tournament will serve as a dress rehearsal for the BWF World Badminton Championships, scheduled to be held at the same venue in August.
A HSBC BWF World Tour Super 750 event, the Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2026 will be played from January 13 to 18 and marks a shift to a much larger, multipurpose hall at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex. The move is aimed at significantly enhancing the spectator experience, offering better sightlines, increased seating capacity, and a more immersive atmosphere for fans. With the World Championships returning to India after a 17-year gap, the India Open also provides players and organizers a crucial opportunity to familiarize themselves with the venue and playing conditions.
As has become customary, the tournament has attracted a stellar field. A total of 256 players from 20 countries will be in action over five days, underlining the global stature of the event. World champions Shi Yu Qi of China and An Se Young of Korea headline the singles draws, alongside Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi and BWF World Tour Finals champion Christo Popov. Chinese Taipei has sent the largest contingent with 36 players, while hosts India will be represented by 28 shuttlers across categories.
Speaking at the pre-event press conference, PV Sindhu emphasized the comfort and motivation of competing in familiar surroundings. “It’s always nice playing the Indian Open in Delhi at the start of the year,” she said. “I’m really happy to be playing at home. The fans are very supportive, as is the federation. We will put in our best efforts and give our 100 percent, and hopefully get some good results here.” For Sindhu, who watched the 2009 BWF World Championships as a spectator in Hyderabad, the prospect of competing in a world championship on home soil later this year adds further incentive.
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India’s celebrated men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, echoed similar sentiments while reflecting on the tournament’s growth. “The first time we played the India Open was back in 2017 and it’s only become bigger and bigger every year,” Chirag said. “Winning the India Open in 2022 gave us a huge boost for the rest of that season. This time as well, we want to go as deep as possible and enjoy the support of the fans, which really pushes us to perform better.”
Satwik highlighted the broader context of India’s hosting capabilities. “A very successful world championship was conducted in Guwahati earlier, and every year this event keeps growing,” he said. “This year we have a bigger stadium, and in August we have the World Championships at the same venue. Last year, it was a full house from the first round itself, and we expect the same kind of support again.”
With a prize pool of USD 950,000, the Yonex-Sunrise India Open offers valuable ranking points early in the season, helping players in their qualification push for the World Championships. It also allows athletes to acclimatize to conditions that will be in play during the sport’s biggest annual event later this year.
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BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra underlined the tournament’s growing importance on the global calendar. “The Yonex-Sunrise India Open has become a crucial pit stop on the BWF World Tour,” he said. “This year, players have the added incentive of getting used to the new venue, which will also host the BWF World Championships 2026. Hosting the championships after 17 years is a matter of pride for India, and this tournament plays an important role in ensuring readiness on all fronts.”
In a recorded message, BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul highlighted India’s contribution to global badminton. “India has long been a cradle of badminton excellence,” she said. “This tournament celebrates elite competition while inspiring the next generation. The India Open will also provide valuable insights to ensure that the World Championships later this year are a resounding success.”
Sunrise Sports India Managing Director Vikramaditya Dhar reiterated the tournament’s role in grassroots and elite development. “Yonex-Sunrise has been at the forefront of promoting badminton in India,” he said. “The India Open brings the badminton fraternity together and inspires young athletes to take up the sport and excel.”
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HSBC India’s Sandeep Batra echoed that sentiment, noting that the expanded venue and world-class field elevate both fan experience and the sport’s reach. “Such platforms play a pivotal role in shaping a vibrant and inclusive sporting culture,” he said.
The tournament will be broadcast on Eurosport and Eurosport HD, with tickets available for all six days via the official ticketing partner, ticmint.com.
