Mixed Results for Indian Badminton Players at Thailand Open

At the Thailand Open, Indian badminton players showcased a mix of performances. P.V. Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth advanced to the next round, while Ayush Shetty was eliminated after a tough match. Sindhu's swift victory and Srikanth's polished display highlight India's strong presence in the tournament. However, Shetty's spirited effort fell short against a formidable opponent. Other young talents also made headlines, with Unnati Hooda pulling off an upset win. As the tournament progresses, more Indian players are set to compete in singles and mixed doubles, promising an exciting continuation.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 15:58 IST

India's Performance at the Thailand Open

A file image of Indian badminton ace PV Sindhu (Photo: IANS)

Bangkok, May 13: Indian badminton players had a day of mixed fortunes at the Thailand Open on Wednesday. P. V. Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth progressed smoothly to the second round, while promising player Ayush Shetty was eliminated after a commendable effort.

Former world champion Sindhu showcased her skills in her opening match, defeating Tung Ciou-Tong from Chinese Taipei with a score of 21-9, 21-12 in just 33 minutes. The sixth seed dominated the game from the start, combining precise shots with aggressive movement on the court, marking one of her swiftest victories this season.

As she seeks her first BWF World Tour title since the 2024 Syed Modi International, Sindhu will next face Denmark’s Amalie Schulz, marking their first encounter.

Srikanth also delivered an impressive performance, advancing to the round of 16 by overcoming Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew with a score of 21-14, 21-15, in a rematch of the 2021 World Championships final.

The Indian player, who won the Thailand Open title in 2013, maintained control throughout the match, rarely allowing the eighth seed to take charge, despite a brief challenge in the second game.

Next, Srikanth will compete against Su Li Yang from Chinese Taipei for a spot in the quarter-finals.

On the other hand, Ayush Shetty faced a tough match against Japanese sixth seed Kodai Naraoka. Despite having a favorable 2-1 head-to-head record, Shetty struggled to maintain his momentum after losing the first game. He managed to level the match but ultimately lost the deciding game, with Naraoka winning 21-13, 17-21, 21-4 in 59 minutes.

In other matches, teenager Unnati Hooda achieved a surprising victory over local favorite Pornpawee Chochuwong, winning 11-21, 21-17, 21-16.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Anmol Kharb was unable to defeat reigning champion Chen Yu Fei. After winning the first game and leading 11-2 in the final game, Kharb could not stop Chen's comeback, who ultimately won 19-21, 21-13, 21-18.

Additionally, Tharun Mannepalli's journey ended in straight games against Japan’s Koki Watanabe.

Later in the day, Lakshya Sen, Tanvi Sharma, Devika Sihag, Malvika Bansod, and Isharani Baruah are set to compete in singles, while three Indian pairs will also participate in mixed doubles.