The Indian side got a screaming start to the BWF World Championships 2026 with debutant Ayush Shetty defeating world number one, and the defending heavyweight champion, Shi Yuqi of China in the men’s singles Round of 64. In a three-game matchup in the Indian capital, Ayush Shetty threatened to upset the strong Chinese hurler 21-14, 13-21, 21-19.
The win was Shetty’s first underpinned by any team since he lost to Shi in the 2026 Badminton Asia Championships final three times. Still, the Indian lad did not lose his cool in the crucial match following a late defence from the reigning contender.
Former world champ PV Sindhu also moved to the women’s singles Round of 32, beating Sophia Noble, Ireland, 21-7, 21-11. Sindhu had all the control in the beginning and clamped down in straight games to clinch the contest.
India’s women’s doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand also chalked up another win to secure a place in the next round.
India began with a victory over Ireland’s Scott Guildea and Paul Reynolds in the men’s doubles earlier in the day, and the pair of H. Amsakarunan and M.R. Arjun also won the men’s singles. The Indian duo won the first game as their opponents went into the second injured.
The home side’s perfect opening day of five victories was a welcome start to the tournament. Lakshya Sen and the men’s doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will kick off their campaign the next day.