Asian Games countdown: Shuttlers Sindhu, Lakshya, Satwik-Chirag carry India hopes

Indian shuttlers will have to put up a much-improved show at the Asian Games to return home with the medals in their kitty. India’s hopes rest on PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen and the formidable doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.

Asian Games 2026 countdown: India trains its guns on 100 medals, but can it be done?

PV Sindhu’s enormous experience makes her an important Indian prospect despite the modest performances in recent years. Badminton has become an increasingly competitive women’s game in Asia. But Sindhu is in with a chance because of her ability to pull out her best under pressure. But her rivals will be truly formidable and the leading name amongst them will be the World and Olympic champion An Se-young the 24-year-old South Korean.

Lakshya Sen is another significant individual prospect for India in badminton

Lakshya is another significant individual prospect. India’s men’s singles challenge will, however, be extremely demanding because of the quality of Asian badminton. The case of Lakshya Sen is a puzzle. He has immense potential but seldom seems to rise to his full potential. On some days he can be brilliant and can match the best in the world. But on other days he seems lethargic and unable to find his rhythm. In a high-pressure competition like the Asian Games, even a single day of indifference will finish his dreams.

https://x.com/TheKhelIndia/status/2100472945751810547?s=20

Lakshya’s first round exit at the China Masters highlighted this concern. He was beaten 14-21, 7-21 by Canada’s World No. 9 Victor Lai. Lakshya never really looked capable of turning the momentum around, and once Lai took control, there was barely any resistance from the Indian player.

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty became the first Indians to win the China Masters. Pics: BFI/Badminton Photo

But even if Lakshya Sen misses out, the men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj and Chirag Shetty could make amends.  Satwik and Chirag, the 2022 Asian Games gold medallists, had recently made history by capturing India’s first-ever title at the China Masters. The duo secured their second BWF World Tour Super 750 title of the season by defeating China’s He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu 11-21, 21-13, 21-17 at the Shenzhen Arena in China.

Satwiksairaj and Chirag fight back to claim historic China Masters doubles title

Hence, a lot of hopes are resting on their shoulders and their form will have a big impact on India’s medal hopes.

Jyothi Surekha has established herself among the world’s leading compound archers and is currently regarded as one of India’s strongest medal prospects

Archery: Good chance for Jyothi and Dhiraj

Jyothi Surekha Vennam, hailing from Krishna district, has established herself among the world’s leading compound archers and is currently regarded as one of India’s strongest medal prospects. India has traditionally done well in compound archery at the Asian Games, and she could be involved in both individual and team medal opportunities.

Vijayawada’s Dhiraj Bommadevara is another important archery prospect. His name appears prominently among the athletes identified as potential medallists in the recurve competitions. On September 13, 2026, in Mexico, Dhiraj defeated Turkey’s Olympic medallist Berkim Tumer 7-1 before advancing past France’s Jean Charles Valladont 7-1 and then taking the gold medal from Japan’s Nakanishi Junya 6-5.

Dhiraj Bommadevara made history by becoming the first Indian male archer to claim a gold medal at the Archery World Cup Final

Thus, he made history by becoming the first Indian male archer to claim a gold medal at the Archery World Cup Final. If he can maintain his form, he is sure to be among the top contenders at the Asian Games.

Squash: Watch out for evergreen Joshna and young Anahat

Anahat Singh is currently ranked 20th in the world and third in Asia. She has beaten top-20 opponents and recently won the Junior World Championship

In the sport of squash, there is a particularly interesting newcomer named Anahat Singh. At only 18 years of age, Anahat Singh is currently ranked 20th in the world and third in Asia. She has beaten top-20 opponents and recently won the Junior World Championship.

Then, one of the finest squash players India has ever produced, Joshna Chinappa will be competing at the age of 40. She was just 16 when she first represented the country at the Asian Games back in 2002. Now, at 40, she’s set to represent India at her 7th consecutive Asian Games in 2026 which is a rare feat, especially for a woman athlete in Indian sport.

Joshna Chinappa will represent India in the women’s team event and mixed doubles at the Asian Games. She is still capable of winning a medal

She has picked up medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships (including doubles gold), and became the first Indian to break into the world’s top 10 rankings. This year, she’ll represent India in the women’s team event and mixed doubles at the Asian Games. She is still capable of winning a medal.

Asian Games countdown: India expect to make significant gains in boxing and weightlifting

Asian Games countdown Part 3: India expects to make significant gains in boxing