India produced one of the biggest upsets for their Japanese opponents at the BWF 2026 Championship in New Delhi on the sixth day of the event. Indian women’s double players, Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa
Jolly produced a stellar performance to defeat the World No. 7 ranked Japan's Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi, 21-16, 21-12 in the Round of 16. The Indian women's doubles team was in controlled form during this high-pressure game, not letting the more experienced opponents fluster them. Gopichand and Jolly have advanced in style and are one win away from securing a podium finish at the BWF 2026 Championship.
This is a big breakthrough for the Commonwealth Games 2022 bronze medalists. These players have overcome injury struggles over the past year to break into the top 10 world rankings earlier this year. Their current win has proven that they are capable of beating the best.
Their latest victory is even more significant with the World Championships being hosted in New Delhi, giving the pair an opportunity to chase a major career milestone in front of a home crowd. India had entered the tournament with high hopes for its leading shuttlers. The young players have now strengthened the country’s medal prospects in women’s doubles. One more win will guarantee the duo a World Championships medal. After stunning the seventh seeds, Jolly and Gopichand will now look to carry the same confidence and composure into their next challenge as they chase a historic podium finish.
“The crowd really carried us”: Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand reflect on BWF 2026 win
Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand’s stunning victory over the seventh-seeded Japanese pair at the BWF World Championships was a test of composure as much as skill. After a tense contest, the Indian duo credited the home crowd for helping them through the difficult moments. Gopichand spoke about the pressure of playing in Delhi and their recovery after trailing 13-16 in the opening game. “I think getting on court, definitely there's a little pressure, but it's the kind of pressure you enjoy because you're playing in Delhi. So yeah, even in the first set we were down 13-16, but then we got some tips from our coaches and I think yeah after that we've implemented it pretty well. So yeah, I think I'm super happy. Even in the second game there were a few... it was pretty tricky, neck-to-neck, but then yeah, I'm glad we could stay calm and pull the game off,” Gopichand told reporters.
Jolly highlighted the crowd’s role, saying, “I think the crowd is so amazing. I think even when we are in the first game, when we are down also the crowd really carried us and I think when it's happening in the home soil, we just need to show our powerful matches and everything that they can see.” She added, “I think it's not going to be easy. I think they are like playing at the top level and every point matters to us. I think we just need to believe in ourselves and just calm and just be present in that moment.”
Gopichand’s doubles’ partner also addressed her yellow card, saying, “I showed the umpire the shuttle and he just shoved it away as an ‘excuse’ and showed me the card. But it’s okay, those things keep happening on court.” The BWF women's doubles quarterfinalist also spoke warmly about having her father and coach, Pullela Gopichand, in the coaching box, calling it really fun despite his strictness and describing him as a source of support.
