Former champions Kidambi Srikanth and H.S. Prannoy secured victories in the men’s singles first round at the India Open 2026. Srikanth, 32, overcame Tharun M in a tough match, winning 15-21, 21-6, 21-19. Meanwhile, Prannoy, 33, defeated Lee Cheuk Yiu 22-20, 21-18 to progress to the next round of the BWF World Tour Super 750 event.
Malvika Bansod also advanced to the second round by beating Pai Yu Po in the women’s singles first round. However, 16-year-old Tanvi Sharma showed promise despite losing to second seed Wang Zhi Yi 20-22, 21-18, 21-13 after a spirited performance.
In another match, former World Champion PV Sindhu was eliminated by Thuy Linh Nguyen of Vietnam, losing 20-22, 21-12, 21-15 in the opening round. Prannoy and Srikanth, aiming for a comeback after a challenging 2025, stood out with impressive performances.
Prannoy, seizing the opportunity after a tough year, defeated Lee with his quick smashes and strategic play. Srikanth, a former World No. 1, displayed his experience by staging a comeback against Tharun, eventually winning the match.
Tanvi Sharma, considered a rising star in Indian badminton, fought bravely against Wang but fell short in the end. Despite the loss, her performance showcased her potential and determination in the tournament.
