PV Sindhu, Chirag-Satwik eye strong show at India Open 2026

The Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2026, a HSBC BWF Super 750 tournament, begins January 13 in Delhi. PV Sindhu, Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy stressed its importance as a build-up to the BWF World Championships 2026, to be held at the same venue

Hyderabad: Former World Champion PV Sindhu and the men’s doubles pair of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy said that performing well at home is always special, adding that the Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2026 carries added importance as the BWF World Championships will be held at the same venue in August.

The Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2026, a HSBC BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament, will be played from January 13–18 and serves as a dress rehearsal for the prestigious World Championships. Matches will be staged at the larger multi-purpose hall in the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, offering fans an improved viewing experience.

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The championship has attracted top global talent, including World Champion Shi Yu Qi of China, women’s world No. 1 An Se Young, and BWF World Tour Finals champion Christo Popov. A total of 256 players from 20 countries will compete, with Chinese Taipei sending the largest contingent of 36 shuttlers.

Sindhu said at the pre-event press conference: “It’s always nice to play the India Open in Delhi at the start of the year. I’m really happy to be playing at home, with fans and the federation always supportive. We will give our 100 per cent and hope for good results.”

Chirag Shetty added: “The first time we played the India Open was in 2017 and it has only grown bigger every year. Winning the India Open in 2022 gave us a huge boost. This time too, we want to go deep into the tournament. The support in the stadium really pushes us to do better.”

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy said: “Every year the event grows bigger. This year we have a larger stadium, and in August the World Championships will be held here. Last year it was a full house from the first round, and we expect the same again.”

With a prize pool of USD 850,000, the tournament offers valuable ranking points for qualification to the World Championships.

BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra said: “This year players have an additional incentive to go deep in the tournament and get used to the new venue, which will also host the World Championships 2026, returning to India after 17 years.”

BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, in a recorded message, said: “India has long been a cradle of badminton excellence. This tournament is not only a celebration of elite competition but also a source of inspiration for the next generation of players.”