New Delhi : 30th edition of the BWF World Championships gets underway at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, marking the prestigious event’s return to Indian soil after 17 years. The host nation is fielding a strong contingent across all five disciplines, aiming to capitalise on home support.
Five-time World Championship medallist PV Sindhu headlines the nation’s challenge in women’s singles. Seeded ninth, the 2019 world champion enters the tournament boasting strong momentum following her recent Japan Open victory. Playing on home turf, Sindhu remains India’s premier contender in the singles draw.
In men’s doubles, fifth seeds Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty represent India’s strongest prospect for a top-podium finish. Having previously secured bronze medals at the 2022 and 2025 World Championships, the Asian Games champions are targeting their maiden world title after winning the BWF Super 750 Singapore Open earlier this season.
In men’s singles, 14th seed Lakshya Sen, a bronze medallist from the 2021 edition, spearheads the campaign alongside debutant Ayush Shetty. The 22-year-old Shetty faces the toughest opening-round test of the contingent, having been drawn against top seed and defending world champion Shi Yuqi of China.
In women’s doubles, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand carry India’s primary hopes, while Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, seeded 15th, lead the country’s three-pair charge in mixed doubles. With home advantage in their favour, the Indian team aims to add to its historic overall tally of 15 World Championship medals.
Indian Contingent by Category
India’s entries across the five events comprise:
Men’s singles: Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty
Men’s doubles: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty, Hariharan Amsakarunan-MR Arjun
Women’s singles: PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda
Women’s doubles: Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand, Kavipriya Selvam-Simran Singhi
Mixed doubles: Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto, Rohan Kapoor-Ruthvika Gadde, Ashith Surya-Amrutha Pramuthesh.
Ayush Shetty begins his BWF World Championships 2026 campaign as he faces the defending champion and top seed, Shi Yuqi, in New Delhi on Monday.
The 21-year-old India faces a trial by fire as he takes on the World No. 1 from China on his senior World Championships debut.
Shetty has turned out to be one of the best male singles players of India in the last two years.
At the Badminton Asia Championships earlier this year, he became the first Indian men’s singles player in 61 years to make the final, after defeating Jonatan Christie and Kunlavut Vitidsarn but could not win against Shi, losing 21-8, 21-10 in the championship clash.
With the Badminton World Championships take place in India for the first time since 2009, India have managed to secure at least one medal every time since 2011. PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty are some of the other favourites from the home soil.
How to watch Ayush Shetty vs Shi Yuqi at BWF World Championship 2026
Here’s how to watch the Ayush Shetty vs Shi Yuqi men’s singles Round of 64 match at BWF World Championships 2026 in India:
TV channel: Start Sports Network
Live stream: JioHotstar
Fans in India can watch the BWF World Championships 2026 live on television on the Star Sports Network channels (Star Sports 1, Star Sports Select SD 1, Star Sports Select HD 1).
Live streaming of the entire tournament will be available through JioHotstar app and website.
BWF TV, the official YouTube channel of Badminton World Federation, will provide streaming of the matches worldwide.
What time does Ayush Shetty vs Shi Yuqi BWF World Championships 2026 clash start?
The men’s singles first-round match between Ayush Shetty and Shi Yuqi at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi is scheduled to begin at approximately 6:10 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. IST on Monday, August 17.
Ayush Shetty vs Shi Yuqi: Head -to-head
Shi Yuqi enjoys a head-to-head advantage of 3-0 against Ayush Shetty.
The two players have faced off on three occasions, with Shi Yuqi has managing to win each one of those matches. Their most recent match was the Badminton Asia Championships final in April 2026 where Shi won 21-8, 21-10.
