We will put efforts and give our 100% and hope we get some good results in India Open at New Delhi: Sindhu

Vikramaditya Dhar (MD, Sunrise); Chirag-Satwik, Sanjay Mishra (General Secretary, BAI), PV Sindhu, HS Prannoy, Ayush Shetty & Nikhil Singhal (Head International Business and Corridors, HSBC India).

Bigger venue, enhanced spectator experience and a world championships dress rehearsal

A total of 256 players from 20 countries including international stars like Shi Yu Qi, Vitidsarn, An Se Young and Yamaguchi to headline the prestigious tournament; Hosts India to field 28 players

Rakesh Thapliyal

New Delhi:Former World Champion PV Sindhu and the men’s doubles combination of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy insist that the feeling of doing well at home is something special and the Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2026 carries an extra signification this time considering that the BWF World Badminton Championships will be held at the same venue in August.

The Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2026, A HSBC BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament, will be played from January 13-18, 2026. It serve as a dress rehearsal for the prestigious BWF World Championships 2026, with badminton action moving to the much larger multi-purpose hall in the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex here, ensuring fans a significantly improved viewing experience.

Just like every year, this edition of the Yonex-Sunrise India Open has attracted the world’s best badminton players, including World Champions Shi Yu Qi of China, women’s world no. 1 An Se Young and BWF World Tour Finals champion Christo Popov. A total of 256 playes from 20 countries will be in action over the next five days with Chinese Taipei sending the biggest contingent of 36 shuttlers.

Speaking at the pre-event press conference, Sindhu said, “It’s always nice to playing the Indian Open in Delhi every starting of the year in Jan. I’m really happy to be playing at the home ground, what else you will be needing at the home ground, the fans are very supportive all the time as well the federation. I think we will put our efforts and give our 100% and hope we get some good results here.”

Satwik and Chirag also had a word of praise for the fans who have been coming to the stadium to support the players and exuded confidence that despite the bigger capacity of the stadium fans would make it a full house every day.

“Happy to be here. The first time we played India Open was back in 2017 and it’s only become bigger and bigger every year. We’ve won a lot of tournaments but winning the India Open back in 2022 gave us a huge boost to perform for the year and I think likewise this time around too we would want to go as deep into the tournament as possible. I hope to see many fans come out and support us in huge, to have the support in the stadium really pushes us to do better,” said Chirag.

Satwiksairaj concurred, “A very successful world championship was conducted in Guwahati. Every year the event is only growing bigger and this year we got a bigger stadium as well. In August we have a bigger tournament, the world championship at the same venue and thanks for making it huge every year. Last year from first round it was a full house and this year also we are expecting a full crowd and it’s happy to see the support is only getting more every year.”

The prestigious tournament, with a prize pool of USD 950,000, will provide players an opportunity to accumulate valuable ranking points at the start of the year to qualify for the BWF World Championships to be played at the same venue in August 2026 while also helping them get a acclamitised to the playing conditions.

This is how TV Cameramen were given the place and they blocked the view of journalists, who were, forced to sit behind them in the Press conference. 

“The Yonex-Sunrise India Open has become one of the important pitstop on the BWF World Tour and the players have always looked forward at leaving their mark in this prestigious tournament. This year the players have an additional incentive to go deep in the tournament and get used to the playing conditions in the new venue as it will also be used for the BWF World Championships 2026, which India will be hosting after a gap of 17 years,” remarked BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra.

About the significance of the Yonex-Sunrise India Open, BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul said in a recorded message,* “India has long been a cradle of badminton excellence, producing remarkable athletes who shine on the global stage. This tournament is not only a celebration of elite competition but also a powerful source of inspiration for the next generation of players from this vibrant nation.

“The Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2026 will also offer valuable insights and experience that will help ensure the BWF World Championships 2026 is a resounding success. This week gives fans a glimpse of the world-class action that awaits later in the year,” she added.

Former world champion PV Sindhu, who watched the 2009 BWF World Championship from the spectators stand in her hometown Hyderabad, is looking forward to playing one on home soil and said the India Open 2026 would provide an ideal preparation for the same.

“Yonex-Sunrise has always been at the forefront of promoting badminton from the grassroot to the top most level in India and we are proud of the development and growth the sport has seen in the last decade. The Yonex-Sunrise India Open plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of badminton in the country, inspiring athletes and bringing the badminton fraternity together. As we embark on yet another chapter of the tournament, I am confident that the performances this week will inspire many more kids to take up the sport and excel in the future,” highlighted Mr. Vikramaditya Dhar, Managing Director, Sunrise Sports India Pvt. Ltd.

Sandeep Batra, Head, International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC India, said, “We are excited to extend our association with Badminton World Federation (BWF) for the eighth year now. The sport is seeing unprecedented levels of participation and engagement. Our shared goal is to grow badminton at every level, inspiring future generations and increasing accessibility. We’re committed to broadening the sport’s reach within communities, and together with the BWF, we are encouraging more people than ever to take up the game. This year’s tournament, with its expanded venue and world-class line-up, not only elevates the spectator experience but also sets the stage for the BWF World Championships later this year. We believe such platforms play a pivotal role in shaping a vibrant and inclusive sporting culture.”

The tournament will be broadcasted on Eurosports & Eurosports HD and badminton lovers can buy the tickets for all six days from the official ticketing partners ticmint.com.