PV Sindhu, Satwik-Chirag headline India's Asian Games 2026 squad
New Delhi, June 13
Two-time Asian Games medalist PV Sindhu, 2022 Asiad men's doubles gold medalists Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will headline a stacked Indian squad for the badminton championships at the 20th Asian Games, set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4 later in the year, according to a press release from Badminton Association of India.
The Asian Games remain one of the most prestigious multi-sport competitions in the world and among the highest honors in Asian sport, bringing together the continent's finest athletes in pursuit of national glory.
The BAI selection committee finalized the squad after reviewing recent performances across national and international tournaments, alongside BWF rankings as of May 26.
Led by India's top-ranked men's singles player Lakshya Sen, the squad also features experienced H. S. Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth--all part of India's historic men's team silver-medal campaign at the previous edition. The men's contingent retains much of the core that secured a bronze medal at the BWF Thomas Cup earlier this year.
Reflecting the emergence of a new generation, Badminton Asia Championships silver medalist Ayush Shetty, alongside BWF World Junior Championships Individual Championship Silver medalist Tanvi Sharma and Team Championship medalist Unnati Hooda, have also earned selection following a string of impressive performances on the international circuit.
BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra said Indian badminton is benefiting from growing depth across categories, with strong performances from established stars and emerging players alike. He highlighted the return to form of Satwik-Chirag, Lakshya Sen's rise back into the world's top 10, the men's team's Thomas Cup success, and consistent results from PV Sindhu and other senior players.
"Indian badminton today is in a position where success is being shaped not just by individual excellence, but by the growing depth of talent across categories. Over the last few months, we have seen encouraging signs across the board, Satwik-Chirag back to their best, Lakshya returning to the world's top 10, the men's team reaching another Thomas Cup podium, Sindhu and our senior players delivering consistently, and younger athletes stepping up with strong performances and important results internationally. This squad reflects that journey, a blend of experience, depth and emerging talent, and we believe it has the quality and character to compete strongly at the Asian Games and make the country proud," said Sanjay Mishra, General Secretary, BAI.
India heads into Aichi-Nagoya carrying strong momentum in the event. Indian badminton has won 13 medals in Asian Games history, including a breakthrough gold medal at the previous edition. The 2022 Games marked India's most successful badminton campaign, yielding one gold, one silver, and an individual bronze through Prannoy. India's highest medal tally overall came at the 1982 New Delhi Asian Games, where the country secured five bronze medals.
The Indian squad will also feature established combinations across categories. Men's doubles pair Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun arrive in strong form, with Arjun also carrying experience from India's silver-winning men's team campaign in 2022. Women's doubles pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand continue to anchor India's doubles challenge, alongside the steadily rising Simran Singhi and Kavipriya Selvam. Thailand Masters Super 300 champion Devika Sihag and talents Isharani Baruah and Tharun Mannepalli further strengthen India's singles depth. Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto add quality and experience to the double's setup.
For the Individual Championships, India will field representation across all five disciplines, with Sen and Shetty featuring in men's singles, while Sindhu and Hooda lead the women's singles. Satwiksairaj-Chirag and Hariharan-Arjun will compete in men's doubles, with Treesa-Gayatri and Kavipriya-Simran representing India in women's doubles. India's top mixed doubles pairing Dhruv and Tanisha will contest the XD event.
Asian Games 2026, Team India Squad
Team Championship
Men's Team: Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, H. S. Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, Tharun Mannepalli, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Hariharan Amsakarunan, M. R. Arjun, Dhruv Kapila
Women's Team: PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Devika Sihag, Tanvi Sharma, Isharani Baruah, Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand Pullela, Kavipriya Selvam, Simran Singhi, Tanisha Crasto
Individual Championship
Men's Singles (MS): Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty
Women's Singles (WS): PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda
Men's Doubles (MD): Satwiksairaj Rankireddy / Chirag Shetty; Hariharan Amsakarunan / M. R. Arjun
Women's Doubles (WD): Treesa Jolly / Gayatri Gopichand Pullela; Kavipriya Selvam / Simran Singhi
Mixed Doubles (XD): Dhruv Kapila / Tanisha Crasto.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see the mix of veterans and youngsters. But I'm a bit worried about Sindhu's recent form—she hasn't been as consistent lately. Hope she finds her rhythm before the Asian Games. Also, glad to see Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand continue in doubles; they've been working hard. Nice squad selection by BAI!
Impressive depth from India! Having Prannoy, Srikanth, and Sen in singles plus the Satwik-Chirag duo in doubles gives them multiple avenues for medals. The Thomas Cup bronze momentum should help. Looking forward to seeing if Ayush Shetty can make an impact—he's been rising fast. Good luck to the entire squad!
So proud to see Indian badminton growing! The selection of young players like Unnati Hooda and Tanvi Sharma shows we're building for the future. But I hope the seniors deliver when it matters. Asian Games is tough—China, Japan, Korea are all strong. Still, with this blend of experience and youth, we can aim for 3-4 medals. Best of luck team! 🙌
Solid squad overall, though I think the mixed doubles pairing might be a weak link. Dhruv and Tanisha are good but haven't consistently beaten top-10 pairs yet. Also, why no Ashwini Ponnappa? She's been a stalwart. Still, optimistic about men's doubles and singles. Let's see if we can improve on the 2022 medal tally.
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