Injuries Shake Up Indian Team Ahead of 2026 Badminton World Finals

India faces setbacks in the women's badminton squad as injuries rule out key players for the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2026. The team undergoes a reshuffle, with new additions aiming to maintain India's competitive edge in Denmark, scheduled for April next year.

India's ambitions for the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2026 have encountered challenges as doubles specialist Treesa Jolly has been sidelined due to injury. This development has necessitated a late reconfiguration of the women's squad, confirmed by the Badminton Association of India (BAI) on Friday.

In Jolly's absence, Shruti Mishra and Priya Konjengbam will pair up for the event, joining teammates Kavipriya Selvam, Simran Singhi, and Tanisha Crasto in the women's doubles lineup. Meanwhile, India's singles strategy will blend veterans like PV Sindhu with promising talents such as Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Devika Sihag, and Isharani Baruah.

The Indian men's team, set to compete in the Thomas Cup, will see top shuttlers like Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, and HS Prannoy at the forefront. Additional strength comes from Ayush Shetty and Kiran George, with skilled doubles combinations featuring Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Hariharan Amsakarunan, MR Arjun, and Dhruv Kapila, aiming for strategic flexibility internationally.

With the 2026 championships taking place in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3, the Indian squad remains focused on overcoming recent disruptions to deliver a powerful performance on the world stage.

(With inputs from agencies.)