India’s top shuttlers are set to face formidable challenges at the BWF World Championships, commencing in Paris on August 25, 2025. Lakshya Sen, ranked 21st globally, opens against world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi of China, a daunting opponent who leads their head-to-head 3-1 and has secured three Super 1000 titles this season. Sen, a 2021 bronze medalist, has struggled with consistency since finishing fourth at the Paris Olympics last year, with his best 2024 result being a quarterfinal at the All England Open.

PV Sindhu, the 2019 world champion and two-time Olympic medalist, aims to rebound from a surprising defeat to India’s Unnati Hooda at the China Open. Currently ranked 15th, Sindhu begins her campaign against Bulgaria’s Kaloyana Nalbantova but faces a potential round-of-16 clash with world No. 2 Wang Zhi Yi of China. With only a quarterfinal at the India Open as her standout result this year, Sindhu seeks to leverage her experience as India’s most decorated shuttler with five world championship medals.

In men’s singles, HS Prannoy, the 2023 bronze medalist, takes on Finland’s Joakim Oldorff in the first round. Ranked 34th, Prannoy faces a potential second-round showdown with world No. 2 Anders Antonsen of Denmark. Despite a competitive three-game loss at the China Open, Prannoy must seize critical moments to advance deeper in the tournament.

Also Read: Teen Sensation Unnati Hooda Shocks PV Sindhu in Epic China Open Upset!

India’s men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, seeded ninth, received a first-round bye. The 2022 bronze medalists will face either compatriots Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruben Kumar or Chinese Taipei’s Liu Kuang Heng and Yang Po Han in the second round. A challenging round-of-16 match against China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who hold a 6-2 head-to-head advantage, awaits, with a potential quarterfinal against Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, who lead their rivalry 11-3. Despite consistent performances, including semifinals at the India, Singapore, Malaysia, and China Opens, the Asian Games champions are yet to secure a title this year.

In mixed doubles, 16th seeds Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also received a first-round bye, while Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde face Macau’s Leong Lok Chong and Weng Chi Ng. Women’s doubles features Priya Konjengbam–Shruti Mishra and the Panda sisters, Rutuparna and Swetaparna, rounding out India’s contingent. As the championships unfold, India’s shuttlers aim to overcome tough draws and inconsistent form to make their mark on the global stage.

Also Read: BWF Urges Shift to Synthetic Shuttlecocks Amid Global Shortage!