Seven Years After World Crown, PV Sindhu Chases a Home Encore

Seven years after conquering the world, PV Sindhu is chasing another World Championships medal. This time, she will have India roaring behind her.

The 2019 world champion heads into the BWF World Championships 2026 with renewed confidence after winning last month’s Japan Open. With the tournament returning to India after several years, Sindhu believes home support could provide the extra push she needs. “It’s special because the World Championship is happening in India. I’m excited because it’s been many years since India hosted it,” Sindhu said at a press conference. “I won the World Championship in 2019, and after almost seven years, I’m hoping to do well again.”

The Japan Open victory could not have come at a better time. It ended Sindhu’s wait for a major title and restored momentum ahead of one of badminton’s biggest tournaments. “The Japan Open gave me a lot of confidence, and I hope to carry that confidence forward,” she said. “Everything is going well, so I’m taking it one match at a time and looking forward to the competition.”

The home crowd, Sindhu added, could become a crucial weapon. “The crowd will give us a lot of support, and I’m really happy to play the World Championship at home. I hope to make the most of it and win a medal.”

Few players understand the demands of the World Championships better than Sindhu. Her five medals, comprising one gold, two silvers and two bronzes, put her level with China’s Zhang Ning for the most women’s singles medals in the tournament’s history.

The draw has also opened an encouraging path. Sindhu will avoid world No. 1 An Se Young of South Korea and defending champion Akane Yamaguchi of Japan until the medal rounds. Her first major hurdle could be third-seeded Wang Zhi Yi of China in the pre-quarterfinals, followed by a possible quarterfinal against Indonesia’s sixth seed Putri Kusuma Wardani.

India will also pin its hopes on Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in men’s doubles. Their first serious test could come against Indonesia’s 12th-seeded Raymond Indra and Nikolaus Joaquin, finalists at the Indonesia Open in June. In mixed doubles, 15th seeds Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto have received an opening-round bye. They could run into China’s sixth-seeded Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui in the round of 16. Rohan Kapoor and G Ruthvika Shivani begin against Canada’s Jonathan Lai and Crystal Lai, with Chinese top seeds Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping potentially awaiting them in the second round.

Women’s doubles pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand will face Spain’s Paula Lopez and Lucia Rodriguez in their opener. A victory could set up a second-round contest against American 16th seeds Lauren Lam and Allison Lee. Debutants Simran Singhi and Kavipriya Selvam start against Spain’s Nikol Carulla and Carmen Jimenez, while MR Arjun and Hariharan open their men’s doubles campaign against Ireland’s Scott Guildea and Paul Reynolds.

India is chasing medals across categories. Sindhu, however, will carry the heaviest expectations. The setting is home. The confidence has returned. Seven years after her historic triumph, the former world champion has another shot at making the world stage her own.

(With inputs from ANI)