This year marks the return of the World Championships to India after a 17-year hiatus, with the last event held in Hyderabad in 2009. The 30th edition of the championships will be hosted at the
Home Advantage and Personal Challenges
Rankireddy echoed Shetty's sentiments, emphasizing the significance of playing in front of a home audience. He described the World Championships as a monumental occasion, stating, "It's always special playing in front of a home crowd." He reflected on their journey, recalling how opportunities to compete in India were rare during their early careers. "Before, it used to be PBL. So we used to play in front of our people. But I think this is more special," he added. Despite facing challenges, including a recent injury and a break from competition, Rankireddy expressed excitement about the upcoming tournament, saying, "We love taking challenges, so we are really excited for it."
The World Championships are a key event in the badminton calendar, offering the highest number of BWF ranking points outside of the Olympic Games. India will be represented in all five disciplines: men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles. Notable entries include P.V. Sindhu, seeded ninth in women's singles, and the fifth-seeded duo of Satwik and Chirag in men's doubles. The Asian Games champions are looking to build on their recent success at the Singapore Open, where they secured the BWF Super 750 title, as they aim for their first world title on home soil.
