India has officially unveiled a 20-member badminton squad for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The team features a blend of seasoned campaigners and rising talent, headlined by
The men's contingent includes Ayush Shetty, Tharun Mannepalli, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Hariharan Amsakarunan, MR Arjun, and Dhruv Kapila. In the individual categories, Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty are set to compete in the men's singles, while the doubles pairs will feature the formidable duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty alongside Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun.
Confidence High Among Indian Shuttlers
Reflecting on the team's prospects, Kidambi Srikanth expressed strong belief in the squad's ability to challenge the world's best. Having observed the consistent performances of his teammates over the past year, the former world number one noted that the team is well-positioned to secure a medal in the team event. He emphasized that if the players perform to their full potential, they are capable of overcoming any opposition in the tournament.
Lakshya Sen echoed this sentiment, highlighting the rigorous preparation undertaken by the squad. Acknowledging the inherent pressure of competing at such a high-profile event, Sen stated that the team remains focused on taking each match as it comes. He noted that while the draw is yet to be finalized, the squad is prepared for the tactical demands of the team event, which requires consistent excellence across all five matches.
Prannoy’s Final Continental Appearance
The 2026 Asian Games will mark a significant milestone for veteran shuttler HS Prannoy, who has confirmed this will be his final appearance at the continental multi-sport event. Prannoy, who was instrumental in India's silver-medal run in Hangzhou, is determined to lead the team to a gold medal finish in Japan.
The younger members of the squad have expressed their appreciation for the mentorship provided by the senior players. Lakshya Sen praised both Prannoy and Srikanth for their guidance and the courage they instill in the younger generation of athletes. As the team prepares to head to Aichi-Nagoya, the focus remains on maintaining the momentum established by their recent performances at the Thomas Cup and previous Asian Games, with the players eager to reward the growing support of Indian fans with a podium finish.
