India's Badminton Squad for Asian Games 2026: Big Ambitions From an Experienced Core

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has announced a 20-player squad to compete at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. This is a full-squad entry across all five disciplines, reflecting India's ambition to maintain its status as a top badminton power in Asia. The biggest star in the squad is PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist who is determined to win an Asian Games gold after exiting in the quarterfinals in 2026. Sindhu shared: 'I want to go all the way in this edition.' Despite being past her physical peak, her tall frame and aggressive attacking style still make her India's leading hope in women's singles. In men's doubles, the experienced pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty remain the core medal hope, aiming for gold. This is the strongest doubles pair India has ever had, with an attacking game and sharp net finishes. If they perform at their best, the gold medal is within reach. The men's squad also features a wealth of experience. Four players who won silver in the men's team event at the 2026 Asian Games return: Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, and Arjun Ramachandran. Alongside them, young talent Ayush Shetty represents the next generation, providing depth and balance. Most of these shuttlers were part of the Indian team that won bronze at the 2026 Thomas Cup in Horsens, Denmark, proving their ability to perform under pressure as a unit — a crucial asset for the team events at the Asian Games. The coaching staff has also been strengthened. Alongside national head coach Pullela Gopichand — the architect of modern Indian badminton — India has hired two foreign specialists: Irwansyah from Indonesia and Tan Kim Her from Malaysia. Both are renowned doubles coaches, indicating India's strategic focus on doubles events where they have the highest medal probability. However, expectations are high and challenges remain. At the 2026 Asian Games, India won 1 gold (men's doubles), 1 silver, and 1 bronze. Fans and media expect the badminton contingent to match or exceed that haul. But with a squad in transition — mixing veterans like PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy (both over 30) with younger players — maintaining peak performance throughout the tournament is a difficult task. Injury risk is a constant concern, especially for attacking players in their 30s. The timing of the 2026 Asian Games in September-October, soon after the World Championships, also creates a packed schedule that requires careful load management. Overall, India has fielded a highly ambitious squad with more depth than in recent years. With systematic investment in coaching — especially foreign expertise — and a core of proven performers, Indian badminton can hope for a successful Asian Games. However, to replicate the Hangzhou 2026 feat, they must manage fitness, avoid injuries, and maximise opportunities from their strongest pairs.