India has unveiled a strong badminton squad for the 20th Asian Games, with star shuttlers PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and the celebrated men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty set to spearhead the country's campaign in Japan.

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) on Friday announced its squad for the Asian Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4. The selection reflects a balanced approach, combining seasoned international performers with a new generation of players who have impressed on the global circuit in recent months. With Indian badminton enjoying one of its strongest phases, expectations are high following the country's record-breaking performance at the previous Asian Games.

The squad was finalized after considering international rankings, recent performances in BWF events, and results from major domestic and international tournaments. Officials believe the chosen group has the depth and experience required to compete against Asia's traditional badminton powerhouses.

Experienced Stars to Lead

Two-time Asian Games medalist PV Sindhu remains India's biggest hope in women's singles. The former world champion will once again carry the responsibility of leading the women's challenge alongside rising youngster Unnati Hooda.

In men's singles, Lakshya Sen will head India's campaign after regaining consistency on the international circuit. He will be joined by Ayush Shetty, who has emerged as one of India's brightest young prospects following his recent performances in continental competitions.

The men's doubles category will once again feature Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who created history by winning gold at the previous Asian Games. Their return to form has strengthened India's medal prospects significantly.

Focus on Future Talent

Alongside established names, the squad also highlights India's growing talent pipeline. Young players such as Tanvi Sharma, Ayush Shetty, and Unnati Hooda have earned their places after delivering impressive results internationally.

Experienced campaigners including H.S. Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, M.R. Arjun, Dhruv Kapila, Treesa Jolly, and Gayatri Gopichand have also been retained, providing stability and leadership across categories.

BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra said the current squad reflects the progress Indian badminton has made in recent years. According to him, success is now being driven not only by individual stars but also by increasing depth across all disciplines.

India's men's team enters the Asian Games with added confidence after securing a bronze medal at the Thomas Cup earlier this year. The country also won silver in the men's team event at the last Asian Games, demonstrating its growing competitiveness at the continental level.

Indian badminton has won 13 medals in Asian Games history, but the 2022 edition marked its most successful campaign. India secured one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal, setting a new benchmark for future teams.

The upcoming tournament presents another opportunity for Indian players to strengthen the country's standing among Asia's badminton elite. With a blend of proven champions and emerging stars, the squad appears well-equipped to challenge for medals across multiple categories.

India will participate in all five badminton disciplines. Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty will compete in men's singles, while PV Sindhu and Unnati Hooda will represent the nation in women's singles. Satwik-Chirag and M.R. Arjun-Hariharan Amsakarunan will feature in men's doubles, while Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand and Kavipriya Selvam-Simran Singhi will compete in women's doubles. Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto will lead India's mixed doubles challenge.

As preparations intensify ahead of September, the Asian Games 2026 badminton squad will be expected to carry forward India's recent success and deliver another memorable campaign on the continental stage.