The BWF World Championships return to New Delhi from August 17 to 23. India will field 16 players across all five categories. With home support and several medal contenders, the hosts will be among the teams to watch closely. Here are the Indian players and pairs who could make a major impact.

Indian players to watch at BWF 2026 Championship

  1. PV Sindhu

PV Sindhu remains India’s biggest name at the championships. The two-time Olympic medallist won the world title in 2019. She also claimed silver in 2017 and 2018 as well as two bronzes in 2013 and 2014. Sindhu enters as the ninth seed and recently won the Japan Open. Her experience and improving form make her a serious medal contender in Delhi.  

  1. Lakshya Sen

Lakshya Sen will headline India’s men’s singles challenge. The former World Championships bronze medallist is seeded 14th in New Delhi. He reached the 2026 All England final and won the Australian Open earlier this season. His recent performances have restored confidence after a difficult period. Sen will hope to produce another deep run.

  1. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are India’s strongest medal hopes in men’s doubles. The former world No. 1 pair is seeded fifth for the tournament. Their powerful attacking game and experience make them dangerous against any opponents. The duo will be targeting their first World Championships gold medal. Their consistency could prove crucial.

  1. Ayush Shetty

Ayush Shetty is one of India’s most exciting young singles players. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough period and reached the 2026 Badminton Asia Championships final. He also defeated several highly ranked opponents during that run. Shetty is seeded outside the top group but possesses an aggressive game. Home support could help him create major upsets.

  1. Unnati Hooda

Unnati Hooda will make her World Championships debut in New Delhi. The teenager has rapidly established herself among India’s leading women’s singles players. She became only the third Indian woman to enter the current BWF top 20. Hooda has already beaten Sindhu at the China Open. Her fearless attacking style makes her one to watch.

  1. Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand

Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand are India’s leading women’s doubles pair. They entered the championships ranked 30th in the world. The duo has steadily improved against stronger international opposition. Their combination of speed, attacking strokes and court coverage makes them competitive. A strong opening round could give them momentum for a memorable campaign.

  1. Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto

Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto will lead India’s mixed doubles challenge. The pair qualified as India’s top mixed doubles entry, ranked 21st at the qualification stage. Their experience together gives them an important advantage. They are seeded 15th and could face difficult opponents early. However, their ranking also makes them capable of reaching the later rounds.

  1. MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan

MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan form India’s second men’s doubles entry. They have a tougher challenge because of the depth in the men’s doubles draw. However, both players possess strong domestic and international experience. Their qualification reflects India’s growing depth beyond the established Satwik-Chirag combination. They could become an important surprise package during the tournament.