India's 20-member badminton squad for Asian Games 2026: Ambition to replicate Hangzhou glory

The Indian badminton team has announced its 20-member contingent for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, 2026. The squad, selected based on BWF rankings and recent performances, covers all five disciplines: men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles. The squad is headlined by veteran P.V. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, who aims to capture the elusive women's singles gold after a quarter-final exit in Hangzhou 2026. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty remain the biggest medal hopes in men's doubles, known for their aggressive attacking style and powerful smashes. The men's team includes experienced players like Lakshya Sen, H.S. Prannoy, and Kidambi Srikanth, four of whom were part of the silver-medal-winning team at Hangzhou 2026. The blend of experience and young talent like Ayush Shetty offers tactical depth. A notable highlight is the addition of foreign coaches Irwansyah from Indonesia and Tan Kim Her from Malaysia to support head coach Pullela Gopichand. This strategy aims to import world-class doubles expertise, a recognized strength of Southeast Asian badminton nations. However, risks remain. The pressure to replicate the 1 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze haul from Hangzhou 2026 is immense. Veterans Sindhu, Prannoy, and Srikanth are all over 30, raising concerns about injuries and fitness. The demanding schedule following the 2026 Thomas Cup adds further strain. India has registered in all five disciplines for the first time, signaling growing confidence in squad depth. Young players like Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly, with their strong performances, represent the promising next generation. The 2026 Asian Games promises to be a fierce competition, with Asian powerhouse nations like China, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand all vying for medals. India's preparation and strategic planning will be crucial to their success. This team embodies a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, poised to write the next chapter in India's badminton history.