2026 Thomas and Uber Cup: Indian men, women clubbed with defending champions China in Group A
New Delhi, March 18
Indian men and women teams have been handed a decent draw in the group stages of the 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup championships to be held in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.
Both the Indian teams, seeded eighth in the tournament based on their individual players' world rankings, have been clubbed in Group A alongside defending champions and top seeds China.
The 2022 Thomas Cup champions, India, will be favourites to claim one of the two quarterfinal spots from Group A, which also comprises Pan Am champions Canada and Oceania champions Australia.
The women's team, however, has a slightly tricky road to the knockout stages as they are clubbed with European team championships runners-up Denmark and bronze medallists Ukraine.
Badminton Association of India (BAI) secretary general Sanjay Mishra said India has a favourable draw in both the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup, giving the team a good chance to reach the quarterfinals. He added that the squad is strong and capable of beating top teams, and once in the quarterfinals, anything can happen.
"We have got a decent draw and a chance to reach the quarterfinals in both the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup competition. We have a strong team that has proved that they can beat any top team on their day and after reaching the quarterfinals anything is possible," said BAI secretary general Sanjay Mishra.
While the Indian men created history by winning the 2022 edition of the Thomas Cup, the women's team has won the bronze medal in the 2014 and 2016 editions.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting draw. The men should qualify comfortably, but the women have a real challenge with Denmark and Ukraine. Hope they can pull off some upsets!
China in the group is a blessing in disguise. Our players need that high-pressure match experience before the knockouts. All the best to both teams! Let's bring the cup home again.
With all due respect to BAI secretary, calling it a "favourable draw" when we have the defending champions China seems a bit optimistic. It's a tough group, no two ways about it. The team needs our full support, not just hopeful statements.
The women's team has proven they can win medals! That 2014 & 2016 bronze shows the fight is there. Denmark at home will be tough, but I believe in our girls. Chak De India!
Focus should be on beating Canada and Australia convincingly first. The match against China will be for top spot. Quarterfinals are a must, then it's anyone's game. Jai Hind!
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