The Indira Gandhi Arena in New Delhi is set to play host to a historic standard of international badminton as the 30th edition of the BWF World Badminton Championships takes place from August 17 to August 23. Playing in front of a home crowd, India's contingent enters the prestigious tournament with elevated expectations. While established stars such as PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and the formidable men's doubles tandem of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty carry primary medal expectations, a substantial portion of the spotlight shines on five young Indian talents eager to mark their authority on the global stage.
Ayush Shetty Faces World No. 1 Shi Yu Qi in Men's Singles Opener
Headlining the next generation of Indian shuttlers is 21-year-old Ayush Shetty. Ranked world No. 22 in men's singles, Ayush is making his main draw debut at the World Championships in New Delhi. His inaugural campaign begins with an extreme test, having been drawn against top-seeded world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi of China in the opening round.
The young Indian is no stranger to his elite Chinese opponent. The two have crossed paths three times previously on the circuit, notably in the final of the 2026 Badminton Asia Championships where Ayush produced a stellar campaign to secure the silver medal. Having claimed his maiden BWF Tour title at the 2025 US Open, Ayush aims to capitalize on home backing as he looks to stage a major upset.
18-Year-Old Anupma Upadhyay Enters Main Draw Following Milestone Ranking
In the women's singles division, 18-year-old Anupma Upadhyay represents India's new generation as she makes her first appearance in the World Championships main draw. Upadhyay achieved a career-best world ranking of No. 19 in May 2026, becoming only the third Indian woman in badminton history after PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal to crack the world top 20.
Upadhyay also holds the record as the youngest Indian ever to capture a BWF World Tour title, having won the 2022 Odisha Open Super 100 title at the age of 14. She will begin her World Championships campaign against Myanmar's Thet Htar Thuzar in the opening round.
First-Round Bye for Mixed Doubles Pair Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila
India's mixed doubles hopes are anchored by Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila. Having advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2025 World Championships in Paris, the pair enters their second World Championships appearance with refined experience and higher ambitions. Crasto and Kapila reached a career-best world ranking of No. 15 in May 2025.
Their credentials feature a gold medal at the 2023 Odisha Masters alongside a silver medal at the 2024 Syed Modi International. Armed with a first-round bye in New Delhi, the duo advances directly to the second round, granting them optimal preparation time to build momentum.
Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly Rely on Big-Match Experience
In women's doubles, Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly bring valuable pedigree to the Indian squad. Formerly ranked world No. 9, the duo has twice reached the semifinals of the prestigious All England Open and claimed victory twice at the Syed Modi International.
Currently ranked 39th in the world, Gayatri and Treesa open their campaign against Spain's Paula Lopez and Lucia Rodriguez, who hold the world No. 43 ranking. The Indian pair holds a distinct mental advantage, having defeated the Spanish combination at this year's US Super Open.
Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy and Sai Pratheek K. Target Strong Run
Rounding out the featured young contingent are Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy and Sai Pratheek K. in men's doubles. Despite forming their partnership in 2025, both players possess extensive doubles experience. Shortly after pairing up, they achieved a quarterfinal run at the Syed Modi International.
Currently holding a world ranking of No. 24, the pair faces Ireland's Scott Guildea and Paul Reynolds, ranked 102nd globally, in their opening match. Backed by home support, solid technical foundation, and fierce determination, these five young Indian entries look to leave a lasting impression at the Indira Gandhi Arena.
