The Indian badminton squad for the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 6, 2026, has been announced. The star doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will headline the men's doubles category, bringing their formidable partnership to the continental event.
Key Players in the Squad
Alongside the celebrated duo, the squad features Lakshya Sen in men's singles, who has consistently performed on the international stage. In women's doubles, the promising pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand has been selected, adding depth to the team. The squad composition reflects a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent.
Women's Singles and Mixed Doubles
While P V Sindhu's participation was anticipated, the squad announcement did not confirm her inclusion, leaving room for speculation. The mixed doubles pairings are yet to be finalized, with selectors expected to announce them closer to the event. The team aims to build on India's recent success in badminton at the Asian Games.
Preparation and Expectations
The Badminton Association of India has emphasized rigorous preparation, with training camps and international exposure planned for the athletes. The Satwik-Chirag duo, currently ranked among the top in the world, will be key medal contenders. Lakshya Sen's agility and the women's doubles pair's synergy are expected to bolster India's chances.
The Asian Games will feature top competitors from China, Japan, Indonesia, and Malaysia, making it a challenging tournament. India's squad is determined to improve upon their previous medal tally, with hopes high for multiple podium finishes.
