Key Storylines For Day 1

1. PV Sindhu Begins Quest For Historic 6th World Medal 

Former world champion and 9th seed PV Sindhu begins her campaign in the Women’s Singles Round of 64 against Ireland’s Sophia Noble. Having already clinched a gold, two silvers, and two bronzes at the World Championships, Sindhu enters the tournament aiming to add a historic sixth medal to her illustrious tally.

A podium finish in New Delhi would make her the first player to claim six medals at the event. She enters in strong form after winning the Japan Open Super 750 last month – the first Indian to claim that title. Her potential path includes a possible clash with third seed Wang Zhiyi of China in the later rounds.

Notably, Sindhu’s last World Championships medal came in 2019 when she became the first Indian to win the coveted title.

“This world championships is very special for me because it is happening in India. I haven’t won a medal in the championships for seven years but my confidence has received a boost after the Japan Open win and I am hopeful of winning one more medal here,” said Sindhu, who watched the 2009 edition of the World Championships from the stands in Hyderabad.

2. Ayush Shetty Faces Massive Test Against Top Seed Shi Yu Qi

In men’s singles, young Indian prodigy Ayush Shetty faces one of the toughest opening-round challenges in the tournament. Shetty goes up against defending world champion and World No. 1 seed Shi Yu Qi of China.

Shetty has lost all three previous meetings with the Chinese star, including the Badminton Asia Championships final earlier this year, but has pushed him close at times. Shetty reached the Asia Championships final (India’s first men’s singles finalist there since 1965) and brings home-crowd energy to what he has described as a special occasion.

“I would say it is the biggest tournament I have played so far. It is a really big tournament for everyone, even for the world’s best players. I think it is a huge stage and it is happening in India,” Ayush said.

A fearless performance will be needed from the Indian youngster as he looks to pull off a monumental upset on home turf.  

3. Doubles Duos Aim for Confident Starts

India’s doubles contingent also takes center stage on the opening day:

Hariharan Amsakarunan & M.R. Arjun open India’s men’s doubles charge against Ireland’s Scott Guildea and Paul Reynolds.  

Commonwealth Games bronze medallists Treesa Jolly & Gayatri Gopichand kick off their women’s doubles campaign against Spain’s Paula Lopez and Lucia Rodriguez.  

Kavipriya Selvam & Simran Singhi conclude the day’s Indian action against Spain’s Nikol Carulla and Carmen Maria Jimenez.  

India’s Schedule For Today (Monday, August 17, 2026)

12:20 PM IST: Men’s doubles – Hariharan Amsakarunan/M.R. Arjun vs Scott Guildea/Paul Reynolds (Ireland)

4:30 PM IST: Women’s doubles – Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand Pullela vs Paula Lopez/Lucia Rodriguez (Spain)

5:20 PM IST: Women’s singles – PV Sindhu (9) vs Sophia Noble (Ireland)

6:10 PM IST: Men’s singles – Shi Yu Qi (1, China) vs Ayush Shetty

7:00 PM IST: Women’s doubles – Nikol Carulla/Carmen Maria Jimenez (Spain) vs Kavipriya Selvam/ Simran Singhi

Note: Timings are approximate and subject to change depending on the duration of previous matches.)

Where To Watch BWF World Championships 2026 Live In India

TV Broadcast: Sports18 network.  

Live Streaming: JioHotstar (app & website) and the official BWF TV YouTube channel (geo-restrictions may apply).