Did Kidambi Srikanth Exit the BWF India Open in the Second Round?
Synopsis
In a thrilling BWF India Open, former champion Kidambi Srikanth faced a hard-fought defeat to Christo Popov in the second round. Meanwhile, India's hopes in women's singles ended with Malvika Bansod's loss. The tournament has seen intense matches and surprising outcomes, reflecting the competitive spirit of badminton.
Key Takeaways
Kidambi Srikanth faced a tough loss against Christo Popov .
Srikanth's performance showed resilience and skill.
India's journey in women's singles ended with Malvika Bansod 's defeat.
The tournament highlighted emerging talents and competitive matches.
Indian players continue to strive for excellence in international badminton.
New Delhi, Jan 1 (NationPress) Former champion Kidambi Srikanth has exited from the BWF India Open after a tough battle against French player Christo Popov in the round of 16 on Thursday.
Srikanth, a former world No. 1 and the silver medallist at the 2021 World Championships, faced a tough match, losing with scores of 14-21, 21-17, 17-21 after over an hour of play at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex.
Srikanth lost the first game at 14–21, but demonstrated remarkable resilience, bouncing back to win the second game 21–17 and forcing a deciding game. However, Popov elevated his performance in the final game, maintaining composure as he secured the match with a score of 21–17.
This match marked Srikanth's first defeat to Popov in their third head-to-head encounter. Last December, Popov made headlines as the first French player to win the World Tour Finals 2025, defeating world champion Shi Yu Qi in the final.
Earlier in the tournament, Srikanth had advanced to the second round after overcoming compatriot Tharun Mannepalli with scores of 15-21, 21-6, 21-19.
Meanwhile, India's journey in the women's singles came to an end as Malvika Bansod lost in straight games 18-21, 15-21 to Han Yue of China.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu was also eliminated early, losing her first match 20-22, 21-12, 21-15 to Vietnam’s Nguyen Thuy Linh. Although Bansod initially kept hopes alive for India with a victory over Pai Yu-po from Chinese Taipei (21-18, 21-19), she ultimately fell short in the second round.
In other matches, HS Prannoy, bronze medallist at the World Championships, won his first-round match against Lee Cheuk Yiu from Hong Kong with scores of 22-20, 21-18.
India’s leading men’s doubles pair, Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, advanced to the second round after receiving a walkover from Chen Zhi Yi and Presley Smith of the USA.
In contrast, all three Indian mixed doubles teams faced defeats in their opening matches. Ashith Surya and Amrutha Pramuthesh lost 21-15, 21-7 against Japan’s Yuichi Shimogami and Sayaka Hobara, while Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Gadde were defeated 21-19, 21-14 by Germany's Marvin Seidel and Thuc Phuong Nguyen.
Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also lost their first-round match 21-15, 21-14 against Thailand’s Pakkapon Teeraratsakul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the competitive nature of the BWF India Open and the challenges faced by Indian players. While Kidambi Srikanth's exit is disappointing, it showcases the ongoing evolution of the sport. The performances of athletes like Popov signify the growing competition on the international stage. Our commitment remains to support and celebrate our players, while also recognizing the challenges they face.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Kidambi Srikanth lose to in the BWF India Open?
Kidambi Srikanth lost to French player Christo Popov in the round of 16.
What were the scores in Srikanth's match?
The scores were 14-21, 21-17, 17-21 in favor of Christo Popov.
Did India have any success in women's singles?
No, India's campaign in women's singles ended with Malvika Bansod's defeat.
Who eliminated PV Sindhu?
PV Sindhu was eliminated by Nguyen Thuy Linh from Vietnam.
What is the significance of this tournament for Indian badminton?
The BWF India Open showcases the talent and competitive spirit of Indian badminton, and each match provides valuable experience for our players.
