India’s campaign at the Badminton Asia Championships has suffered a major setback, with star men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty pulling out due to injury.

Injury blow for defending champions

The duo, who won the continental title in 2023, have been dealing with fitness concerns in recent weeks. Satwik’s shoulder injury, which had already forced them out of the Swiss Open, continues to linger—prompting another withdrawal from a major tournament.

Coach Tan Kim Her confirmed that Satwik is still experiencing pain, making it unfeasible for the pair to compete this week.

Their absence leaves a significant gap in India’s medal hopes, particularly in doubles, where they have been the country’s most consistent performers.

Lakshya Sen carries historic opportunity

With the doubles spearhead missing, the responsibility now shifts to the singles contingent—led by Lakshya Sen and PV Sindhu.

For Lakshya, this tournament represents a rare chance to script history. India has not won a men’s singles gold at the event since Dinesh Khanna’s triumph in 1965.

Fresh from a runner-up finish at the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championships, Lakshya enters in strong form. He begins his campaign against Lee Cheuk Yiu, carrying both momentum and expectation.

Sindhu returns after disruption

PV Sindhu returns after a disrupted European leg. The two-time Olympic medallist had to withdraw from the All England due to travel issues and later skipped the Swiss Open to recover.

She now opens her campaign against Wong Ling Ching, aiming to regain rhythm and push for a deep run.

Strong but tested supporting cast

India’s singles lineup also includes:

  • HS Prannoy, returning from injury
  • Kidambi Srikanth, facing Loh Kean Yew
  • Ayush Shetty, up against Li Shi Feng

In women’s singles, apart from Sindhu:

  • Unnati Hooda faces Supanida Katethong
  • Tanvi Sharma meets Kisona Selvaduray Letshanaa
  • Malvika Bansod takes on Busanan Ongbamrungphan

Conclusion

With Satwik and Chirag sidelined, India’s campaign now hinges heavily on its singles stars. Lakshya Sen, in particular, stands at a crucial juncture—balancing form, expectation, and the weight of history.

Whether he can end India’s decades-long wait for a men’s singles title remains to be seen, but the opportunity has never looked more real.