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PV Sindhu Returns at Malaysia Open 2026 After Injury Layoff

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu will make her competitive return at the BWF Super 1000 Malaysia Open 2026, ending an injury layoff that began in September 2025. Her 2025 season was marred by a foot injury that led to early exits, following her Syed Modi International win in late 2024. The Indian contingent is strong, featuring Lakshya Sen in men's singles and the seeded pair of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy in men's doubles. India will also be represented in women's singles by Malvika Bansod and Unnati Hooda, and in doubles by Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand, and the mixed pair of Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila.

Key Points: PV Sindhu Returns from Injury at Malaysia Open 2026

  • Sindhu's first event since Sept 2025
  • Recovering from a foot injury
  • India's strong contingent across categories
  • Chirag-Satwik seeded third
  • Treesa-Gayatri defending Syed Modi title
2 min read

Malaysia Open 2026: PV Sindhu set to return after injury-hit layoff

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu is set to return to competitive badminton at the Malaysia Open 2026 after an injury-hit 2025 season.

"The tournament will signal a fresh beginning for Sindhu after a difficult 2025 season that was hampered by injury. - Olympics.com"

New Delhi, January 5

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu is set to return to competitive badminton at the Malaysia Open 2026, marking her first appearance on the international circuit since September last year. The season-opening BWF Super 1000 tournament will get underway on Tuesday at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, according to Olympics.com.

The tournament will signal a fresh beginning for Sindhu after a difficult 2025 season that was hampered by injury. The 30-year-old, currently ranked 18th in the BWF women's singles rankings, has not played on the BWF World Tour since her quarter-final defeat to Paris 2024 Olympic champion An Se Young at the China Masters in September.

Following that outing, Sindhu opted to sit out the remainder of the season as she recovered from a foot injury that affected her performances and resulted in a string of early exits. She won the Syed Modi International Super 300 in December 2024.

India will also be represented in the women's singles draw by Malvika Bansod and young shuttler Unnati Hooda, who will be aiming to make an impression in the strong field.

In men's singles, Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty will lead the Indian contingent. Both players will be keen to find consistency after mixed results and several first-round exits over the past seasons.

India's men's doubles hopes will rest on former world championships bronze medallists Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy. The pair are seeded third in Kuala Lumpur and will be eager to repeat their success at the Malaysia Open, where they emerged champions in 2024.

In women's doubles, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand will headline India's challenge. The duo come into the tournament on the back of a confidence-boosting title defence at the Syed Modi International last month.

India will also have representation in mixed doubles, with Paris 2024 Olympian Tanisha Crasto partnering Dhruv Kapila. Ranked world No. 17, the pair will be looking to make a strong start to their 2026 campaign at the prestigious event.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Welcome back, champion! The Malaysia Open is a big stage for a return. Hope she's fully recovered. Our doubles pairs, especially Chirag-Satwik, are our best bet for a title this time. Let's go, Team India!
A
Aman W
Good to have her back, but let's be realistic. Ranking of 18th shows the gap. The younger players like Unnati Hooda need more exposure. The focus should be on building a strong bench, not just relying on one star's comeback.
S
Sarah B
As a badminton fan, it's exciting to see such a decorated player return. The field will be tough, but her experience is invaluable. Also rooting for Lakshya Sen to find his form. Should be a great tournament!
K
Kavya N
All the best to Sindhu di! The women's doubles pair Treesa and Gayatri are also in good form. Hope the entire team brings home some medals. The wait for her return has been long, bas ab jeetna hai!
V
Vikram M
The real test begins now. Coming back from injury at this level is never easy. She has the heart of a lioness, though. More than winning, I just want to see her play pain-free and enjoy her game. The results will follow.

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