New Delhi: Two-time Asian Games medallist PV Sindhu and star men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will spearhead India’s badminton challenge at the 20th Asian Games to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has announced a strong squad blending experienced campaigners and emerging talents following a review of recent performances in national and international competitions, as well as the latest BWF rankings. India will be aiming to build on its historic performance at the previous Asian Games, where the country secured its maiden badminton gold medal.
Experienced stars headline Indian challenge
India’s campaign will be led by top men’s singles player Lakshya Sen, alongside seasoned shuttlers H. S. Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth, all of whom were part of India’s silver medal-winning men’s team at the previous Asian Games.
The men’s squad also retains much of the core group that helped India clinch a bronze medal at the prestigious Thomas Cup earlier this year.
In women’s badminton, Sindhu will once again carry India’s medal hopes. The former world champion continues to be one of the country’s most accomplished athletes and will be joined by promising youngster Unnati Hooda in the women’s singles category.
Young talent earns Asian Games selection
The squad reflects the growing depth in Indian badminton, with several young players earning selection following impressive international performances.
Among them is Ayush Shetty, who recently won a silver medal at the Asian Badminton Championships, as well as rising stars Tanvi Sharma and Unnati Hooda, who have produced notable performances on the international circuit.
The inclusion of these players underlines India’s efforts to combine experience with youth as it targets another successful campaign on the continental stage.
Strong doubles combinations retained
India’s doubles challenge will once again revolve around the highly successful pairing of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who created history by winning the men’s doubles gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games.
The second men’s doubles pair will feature Hariharan Amsakarunan and M. R. Arjun.
In women’s doubles, India will rely on the established combination of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela, while Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi will form the second pairing.
India’s mixed doubles hopes will rest on Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto.
India aims to build on historic success
Indian badminton heads into the 2026 Asian Games with growing confidence after achieving unprecedented success in recent years.
The country has won 13 badminton medals in Asian Games history, including a landmark gold medal in the previous edition. The 2022 Games marked India’s most successful badminton campaign, producing one gold, one silver and one bronze medal.
BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra said the selected squad reflects India’s increasing depth across categories and combines proven performers with a new generation of athletes capable of competing at the highest level.
Full Indian squad
Team Championship
Men’s Team: Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, H. S. Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, Tharun Mannepalli, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Hariharan Amsakarunan, M. R. Arjun and Dhruv Kapila.
Women’s Team: PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Devika Sihag, Tanvi Sharma, Isharani Baruah, Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand Pullela, Kavipriya Selvam, Simran Singhi and Tanisha Crasto.
Individual Championship
Men’s Singles: Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty
Women’s Singles: PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda
Men’s Doubles: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty; Hariharan Amsakarunan/M. R. Arjun
Women’s Doubles: Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand Pullela; Kavipriya Selvam/Simran Singhi
Mixed Doubles: Dhruv Kapila/Tanisha Crasto
With a balanced mix of experienced stars and emerging talent, India will be aiming for another strong medal haul when the continent’s biggest multi-sport event gets underway in Japan later this year.