New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has assembled a dynamic team featuring a combination of seasoned athletes and promising young talents for the 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup Finals. The men’s squad, determined to reclaim the triumph of their historic 2022 title, is spearheaded by the renowned duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in the doubles category, with Lakshya Sen leading the singles challenge.

In contrast, the Uber Cup team showcases a blend of experience and youth, with two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu guiding a new generation led by the talented Unnati Hooda.

This prestigious tournament is set to take place in Horsens, Denmark from April 24 to May 3. The upcoming Thomas Cup will be the 34th edition, while the Uber Cup is marking its 31st.

The men’s team retains the core group that achieved India’s remarkable Thomas Cup victory in 2022, with Sen, Srikanth, and H. S. Prannoy leading the singles, complemented by the established doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. Youngster Ayush Shetty has received his first call-up following consistent performances on the senior circuit.

For the women’s competition, Sindhu will lead India’s efforts alongside the premier doubles pair of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly, aiming to surpass their previous semifinal achievements. Hooda is joined by several in-form talent, including Devika Sihag, Isharani Baruah, and rising star Tanvi Sharma.

Selections were made based on BWF rankings as of March 10 (Week 11), with the top five singles players and top two doubles pairs earning their spots. Additional selections were made to balance team dynamics, leading to the inclusion of players like Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto due to their valuable experience in doubles formats.

“We have a strong balance of youth and experience in both teams. The seasoned players offer stability, and the younger athletes are in excellent form. They’ve demonstrated their capability at this level, which boosts our confidence heading into the tournament,” stated Sanjay Mishra, General Secretary of the Badminton Association of India.

The men’s squad also welcomes back M. R. Arjun, who has made a comeback from injury with impressive results, thereby enhancing the doubles lineup alongside Hariharan Amsakarunan. Dhruv adds depth and experience to the doubles team, while Kiran George bolsters the singles roster.

In the women’s lineup, Devika’s selection follows her title victory at the Thailand Masters earlier this year, while Isharani comes off a semifinal finish at the Orleans Masters. Tanvi continues to establish herself as a bright prospect in the sport, and Hooda’s rapid ascent has already secured her three senior titles.

The doubles team also sees Kavipriya Selvam poised to make her debut, contributing fresh talent. She will partner with Simran Singhi, with Tanisha Crasto rounding out the doubles unit.

The 2022 Thomas Cup champions, India, have been grouped with defending champions and top seeds China, Pan Am champions Canada, and Oceania champions Australia in Group A.

Conversely, the women’s team faces a challenging path to the knockout rounds, as they are paired with European team championship runners-up Denmark, bronze medallists Ukraine, and the defending champions China.

In the last edition of the Thomas & Uber Cup held in Chengdu in 2024, the Indian men’s team was defeated by eventual champions China in the quarter-finals, while the women’s team also faced elimination in the quarters against Japan.

Indonesia holds the record for the most Thomas Cup victories with 14 titles, whereas China leads the Uber Cup with 16 titles.

Men’s Team:

Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikanth, H. S. Prannoy, Kiran George, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Hariharan Amsakarunan, M. R. Arjun, Dhruv Kapila

Women’s Team:

PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Devika Sihag, Isharani Baruah, Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand Pullela, Kavipriya Selvam, Simran Singhi, Tanisha Crasto