Injury Forces Satwik-Chirag Duo to Withdraw from Badminton Asia Championships

In a significant setback for Indian badminton, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have withdrawn from the Badminton Asia Championships due to an ongoing shoulder injury. This leaves Lakshya Sen and PV Sindhu to lead India's charge in the singles events, both eager to secure a long-awaited title. With a rich history in the sport, India hopes to break a 61-year drought in men's singles titles. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on these athletes as they strive for success against formidable opponents.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 6, 2026, 13:04 IST

Satwik-Chirag Duo Withdraws from Championships

Ningbo (China): Due to a shoulder injury, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have decided to withdraw from the Badminton Asia Championships. Meanwhile, Lakshya Sen and the experienced PV Sindhu are set to lead India's efforts, aiming to break a lengthy drought for a singles title in this prestigious tournament.

The duo, who claimed the championship title in 2023, made this decision as Satwik continues his recovery process.

Coach Tan Kim Her confirmed, "Satwik is still experiencing some pain, so they will not participate this week."

Previously, they had to withdraw from the Swiss Open just before their quarterfinal match due to Satwik's ongoing shoulder issues.

With the absence of Satwik and Chirag, India will depend on Lakshya and Sindhu in the singles events, both of whom are eager to end a 61-year title drought in this category.

Dinesh Khanna, a former national champion, remains the only Indian to have won the men's singles gold at this continental event back in 1965. Lakshya is determined to emulate his success after finishing as a runner-up at the All England Championships.

The 24-year-old from Almora will kick off his campaign against Hong Kong's Lee Cheuk Yiu.

Sindhu is making her return after a challenging European tour. The two-time Olympic medalist was stuck in Dubai while traveling to the All England Championships due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which led to her withdrawal. She also missed the Swiss Open to recuperate and will start her journey against Malaysia's Wong Ling Ching.

India's men's singles lineup is also packed, with HS Prannoy, who is back after recovering from a shoulder injury, set to face a qualifier. Kidambi Srikanth will compete against Singapore's eighth seed Loh Kean Yew, while US Open champion Ayush Shetty takes on China's fifth seed Li Shi Feng.

In the women's singles category, besides Sindhu, Unnati Hooda will face Thailand's Supanida Katethong, Tanvi Sharma is up against Malaysia's K. Letshanaa, and Malvika Bansod will compete against Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan.

In men's doubles, Hariharan Amsakarunan and M R Arjun, who recently secured back-to-back titles at the 2025 Al Ain Masters Super 100 and the 2025 Turkiye International Challenge, will challenge top seeds Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae from South Korea. P. Krishnamurthy Roy and Sai Pratheek K. will take on Japan's Kakeru Kumagai and Hiroki Nishi.

In women's doubles, Ashwini Bhat K. and Shikha Gautam will meet Thailand's Hathaithip Mijad and N. Tungkasatan, while Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela are set to face China's Luo Yi and Wang Ting Ge. Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra are awaiting a qualifier.

In mixed doubles, Rohan Kapoor and Gadde Ruthvika Shivani will compete against Malaysia's eighth seeds Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie, Ashith Surya and Amrutha Pramuthesh will meet another Malaysian duo Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien, while Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto will take on Thailand's P. Horbanluekit and Benyapa Aimsaard.