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India Eyes Thomas & Uber Cup Glory with Star-Studded Badminton Squad

India is sending a 34-member team to the BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Denmark. The squad features top players like PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, and the doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. The Sports Authority of India has provided over Rs. 1.45 crore in financial and logistical support for the tournament. India will look to defend its historic Thomas Cup title won in 2022.

Key Points: India Targets Thomas & Uber Cup 2026 Title Defense

  • India targets Thomas & Uber Cup glory with star-studded squad
  • SAI extends Rs. 1.45 crore support package
  • Men's team grouped with China, Canada, Australia
  • Women's team faces Denmark, Ukraine, China
2 min read

India targets Thomas & Uber Cup glory with Sindhu, Sen, Satwik-Chirag; SAI extends Rs. 1.45 crore support

India sends 34-member badminton team with PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Satwik-Chirag for Thomas & Uber Cup Finals. SAI provides Rs. 1.45 crore support.

"India made history by winning the Thomas Cup title in 2022, defeating Indonesia in the final to secure its first title. - Article"

New Delhi, April 23

The Sports Authority of India has provided extensive logistical and financial support exceeding Rs. 1.45 crore to assist the Indian badminton team at the upcoming BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.

A 34-member Indian team, including 20 players, five coaches, and nine support staff, is scheduled to go to Denmark for the prestigious team championships. Prominent athletes such as PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, and the doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will compete, alongside rising stars in both men's and women's categories. The lineup also features several athletes from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Core and Development groups.

The Indian men are grouped with Canada, Australia, and China in the Thomas Cup, while our women are paired with Denmark, Ukraine, and China in the Uber Cup. India made history by winning the Thomas Cup title in 2022, defeating Indonesia in the final to secure its first title. This remarkable achievement marked India's rise as a global power in men's team badminton.

The Rs. 1.45 crore support package approved under TOPS includes coverage for airfare, accommodation, visa fees, accreditation, daily and food allowances, insurance, and out-of-pocket expenses for all team members. Additionally, SAI has established a comprehensive support system, comprising specialised coaches, physiotherapists, trainers, and masseurs who travel with the team.

The Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2026 hold increased importance within the larger context of Indian badminton, particularly because the sport will be absent from the 2026 Commonwealth Games. As India prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, badminton is anticipated to be a major event in the centenary edition of the Games.

Thomas Cup 2026 squad: Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikant, HS Prannoy, Kiran George, Satwik Sairaj, Chirag Shetty, Amsakarunan Hariharan, M R Arjun, Dhruv Kapila

Uber Cup 2026 squad: PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Isharani Baruah, Devika Sihag, Gayatri Gopichand, Treesa Jolly, S Kavipriya, Simran Singhi, Tanisha Crasto

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Happy to see Sindhu leading the women's team—she's such an inspiration. But I wish the squad had some more experienced doubles players; we rely too much on Gayatri and Treesa. Hope our youngsters like Unnati step up in Denmark!
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James A
As someone from the UK, I'm really impressed by India's badminton growth. The Thomas Cup defense will be fascinating—especially the group clash with China. Props to SAI for the ₹1.45 crore investment; it shows how serious India is about being a badminton powerhouse.
V
Vikram M
Great initiative by SAI—logistics and allowances sorted means players can focus purely on performance. But I'm a bit worried about Srikanth's form lately; hope he's back to his best for the team. Also, missing the 2026 CWG is a bummer, but the Thomas Cup is a bigger stage anyway!
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Michael C
India went from being underdogs to defending champions—what a turnaround! Satwik-Chirag are world-class now, and with Lakshya and Prannoy in the squad, the depth is real. 🇮🇳 Let's bring the Thomas Cup home again! Badminton is truly thriving in India.
K
Kavya N
I'm excited for the Uber Cup—our women have a strong squad! But facing China in group stage will be a huge test. Tanvi Sharma and Isharani Baruah are promising talents; hope they get some game time. The 2030 CWG hosting is great news too—badminton must be included! 🏸

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