Badminton Asia Team Championships 2026: PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen Headline Strong Indian Squad

New Delhi, Dec 11: India will field a formidable team featuring world-class pedigree, rising stars, and proven tournament winners at the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) 2026, scheduled to take

place in Qingdao, China from February 3-8, 2026.

With the aim of finishing on the podium in both the men's and women's events, the Indian contingent arrives with confidence and depth - led by two of the sport's biggest names, P V Sindhu and Lakshya Sen.

India enter the women's event as defending champions, having clinched their first-ever BATC title in 2024. In the men's category, India have been consistent semifinalists in previous editions, securing two bronze medals, and will be keen to upgrade their performance in 2026.

Sindhu Leads Women's Team as Experience Meets Emerging Talent

Selected based on ranking, current form, and international experience, the women's team is anchored by P V Sindhu, the former world champion and two-time Olympic medallist. Sindhu, who remains India's most decorated women's shuttler, will headline a squad blending youth and experience.

The singles lineup features world junior silver medallist Tanvi Sharma, fast-rising youngster Unnati Hooda, the consistent Rakshita Sree Santhosh Ramraj, and the in-form Malvika Bansod.

The doubles unit is spearheaded by Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, the Syed Modi International champions, while Priya Konjengbam, Shruti Mishra, and Tanisha Crasto add depth and versatility to the squad.

Sen, Srikanth, Prannoy Form a Strong Singles Core for Men

On the men's side, India field one of their strongest squads in the tournament's history. World No. 13 Lakshya Sen will lead the singles challenge, backed by the seasoned Kidambi Srikanth, the resilient HS Prannoy, US Open champion Ayush Shetty, and emerging talent Tharun Mannepalli.

India's doubles strength remains a defining feature. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, World Championships bronze medallists and one of the world's most feared pairs, headline the doubles lineup. They will be supported by Sai Pratheek K, Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy - runners-up at the Guwahati Masters - and the promising Hariharan Amsakarunan.

BAI Confident of Podium Finishes

Badminton Association of India (BAI) General Secretary Sanjay Mishra expressed confidence in the squad's ability to contend for titles in both categories.

"Over the last few years, Indian teams have consistently been medal contenders at the Asian and World level and this squad has the right mix of form and experience and is capable of challenging for the crown in both categories. I take this opportunity to wish them all the best for the championships," Mishra said.

With elite firepower, depth across disciplines, and the momentum of recent international achievements, the Indian teams will enter BATC 2026 as strong favourites to challenge continental rivals like China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, and Malaysia.

India Squad for BATC 2026 Men's Team:

Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, Tharun Mannepalli, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy, Sai Pratheek K, Hariharan Amsakarunan.

India Squad for BATC 2026 Women's Team:

P V Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj, Malvika Bansod, Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand, Priya Konjengbam, Shruti Mishra, Tanisha Crasto.