New Delhi : Indian badminton fans have plenty to buzzabout after the Yonex-Sunrise India Open Super 750 draw was released on Wednesday. With the tournament set to unfold at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from January 13–18, the home contingent faces both intriguing and tough first-round tests.
In an eye-catching twist, former champion Lakshya Sen has been drawn against rising young compatriot Ayush Shetty in a rare all-Indian clash in the opening round — guaranteeing that only three of India’s four men’s singles players can advance. Sen, who lifted the title in 2022, now faces a player who has been steadily rising up the ranks. ( Source – The New Indian Express)
“It’s never easy playing your own team-mate, especially with so much at stake — but that’s what makes sport exciting,” said a badminton analyst following the draw.
Meanwhile, PV Sindhu, the former world champion and one of India’s most decorated stars, has drawn Vietnam’s Thuy Linh Nguyen in what promises to be a tricky opener. The Vietnamese shuttler has been one of the circuit’s most improved players in recent seasons, and Sindhu knows her challenges well after tough battles in past meetings.
Sindhu’s second-round path could get even steeper, with high seeds like Wang Zhi Yi or Gao Fang Jie looming if she advances.
Adding to the intrigue, H. S. Prannoy will begin his campaign against Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu after a late entry into the draw, and Kidambi Srikanth takes on world No.12 Lin Chun-Yi, a key player from Chinese Taipei’s Thomas Cup squad.
Malvika Bansod, returning from injury and using a protected ranking, opens her challenge against Pai Yu Po of Chinese Taipei, while India’s top doubles stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty face a comparatively smoother start in men’s doubles.
With the India Open now one of the crown jewels on the BWF World Tour, expectations are high — and the first day is already shaping up to be a must-watch for fans across the country.
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