PV Sindhu Targets Medal at Home BWF World Championships

PV Sindhu is targeting a medal at the BWF World Championships 2026, with the Indian badminton star eager to make the most of competing on home soil. Sindhu said the prospect of playing the World Championships in India makes this edition especially meaningful as she prepares to carry recent confidence into the tournament.

Speaking at a press conference, Sindhu pointed to her previous World Championships success and said she hopes to deliver another strong showing nearly seven years after winning the title in 2019. India will be seeking multiple medals at the home event, with Sindhu among the leading figures in the national challenge.

Sindhu draws confidence from Japan Open win

Sindhu said her Japan Open victory last month has provided a timely boost before the World Championships. She said she is taking the competition one match at a time and is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“It’s special because the World Championship is happening in India. I’m excited because it’s been many years since India hosted it. I won the World Championship in 2019, and after almost seven years, I’m hoping to do well again,” Sindhu said.

The former world champion has a notable record at the BWF World Championships, where she has won five medals: one gold, two silver and two bronze. That tally equals China’s Zhang Ning for the most women’s singles medals in the tournament’s history.

Sindhu also highlighted the value of competing in front of Indian supporters. “The crowd will give us a lot of support, and I’m really happy to play the World Championship at home. I hope to make the most of it and win a medal,” she said.

Her route does not include world number one An Se Young of South Korea or defending champion Akane Yamaguchi of Japan before the medal rounds. Sindhu is likely to meet China’s third seed Wang Zhi Yi in the pre-quarterfinals, with Indonesia’s sixth seed Putri Wardani a possible opponent in the last eight.

India’s doubles players begin their campaigns

India’s campaign also includes several doubles pairings across the draw. In men’s doubles, Satwik and Chirag are expected to face a significant early test from Indonesia’s 12th-seeded Raymond Indra and Nikolaus Joaquin, who reached the Indonesia Open final in June.

In mixed doubles, the 15th-seeded Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto have a bye in the opening round. Their potential round-of-16 opponents are China’s sixth seeds Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui. Rohan Kapoor and G Ruthvika Shivani will open against Canada’s Jonathan Lai and Crystal Lai, with top seeds Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping potentially awaiting in round two.

Women’s doubles pair Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly, two-time All England semi-finalists, begin against Spain’s Paula Lopez and Lucia Rodriguez. If they progress, USA’s 16th seeds Lauren Lam and Allison Lee are set to await in the second round.

Debutants Simran Singhi and Kavipriya Selvam face Spain’s Nikol Carulla and Carmen Jimenez in their opener. A victory would take them into a second-round meeting with five-time European champions Gabriela Stoeva and Stefani Stoeva. India’s other men’s doubles pairing, MR Arjun and Hariharan, will start against Ireland’s Scott Guildea and Paul Reynolds.

For Sindhu, the home World Championships bring both a familiar standard and a fresh opportunity. Her five-medal history at the event, combined with her Japan Open success, ensures her pursuit of another podium finish will be a central part of India’s campaign.