India enjoyed a positive start at the Thailand Open 2026 as experienced campaigners P. V. Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth advanced to the round of 16 with commanding straight-game victories in Bangkok on Wednesday. While the senior stars moved ahead comfortably in the BWF World Tour Super 500 tournament, youngster Ayush Shetty’s campaign came to an end after a hard-fought defeat against Japan’s Kodai Naraoka.
The opening day produced a mixed bag of results for the Indian contingent, but the performances of Sindhu and Srikanth provided encouraging signs as both continue searching for consistency and deep runs on the international circuit ahead of the Paris Olympic qualification cycle’s final phase.
Two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu looked sharp and confident during her opening-round clash against Chinese Taipei’s Tung Ciou-Tong. The sixth seed completely dominated the contest, securing a convincing 21-9, 21-12 victory in just 33 minutes. Sindhu controlled the rallies from the very beginning with her trademark attacking strokes and disciplined movement across the court. The Indian star barely allowed her opponent any momentum, quickly building leads in both games through precise smashes and effective net play.
The victory sets up a second-round meeting against Denmark’s Amalie Schulz, a player Sindhu has never previously faced on the BWF Tour. The former world champion will be hoping to continue her strong run in Bangkok as she aims to win her first BWF World Tour title since the Syed Modi International in 2024.
Sindhu has endured an inconsistent period over the past two seasons due to injuries and fluctuating form, but recent tournaments have shown signs of improvement in her movement and match control. The Indian shuttler has also been working closely with her coaching team to regain rhythm ahead of the major events later this year, including the World Championships and Asian Games qualifiers.
The win would have been especially satisfying for Srikanth considering Loh Kean Yew had defeated him in the World Championships final four years ago. The Indian, who won the Thailand Open back in 2013, now faces Chinese Taipei’s Su Li Yang in the next round.
Srikanth has been gradually rebuilding his ranking after battling injuries and inconsistent form over the past few years. His recent performances suggest renewed confidence as he attempts to return to the elite level of men’s singles badminton.
However, it was a disappointment for rising Indian star Ayush Shetty, whose promising run was halted by sixth-seeded Japanese player Kodai Naraoka. Entering the contest with a 2-1 head-to-head advantage over the Japanese shuttler, Ayush showed resilience after dropping the opening game.
The 21-year-old bounced back strongly to claim the second game 21-17 and force a decider. But world number nine Naraoka elevated his game in the final set, dominating long rallies and forcing repeated errors from the Indian youngster. Ayush struggled to keep pace as Naraoka sealed a 21-13, 17-21, 21-4 victory in 59 minutes.
Despite the defeat, Ayush continues to be regarded as one of India’s brightest emerging talents following his silver medal at the Badminton Asia Championships earlier this year.
Teenager Unnati Hooda also exited the tournament after suffering another defeat to Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong. The 18-year-old Indian managed to take a game off the fourth seed for the first time in their rivalry but could not sustain the momentum as the home favourite came back to win 11-21, 21-17, 21-16 in front of the Bangkok crowd.
The Indian challenge at the Thailand Open continues with several players still left in action. Lakshya Sen, Tanvi Sharma, Devika Sihag, Anmol Kharb, Malvika Bansod and Isharani Baruah are scheduled to play their opening-round singles matches later in the tournament.
India will also have representation in mixed doubles, with three Indian pairs looking to make progress in the Super 500 competition. With important ranking points and momentum at stake, the Thailand Open remains a significant stop on the international badminton calendar for Indian players aiming to strengthen their positions ahead of the sport’s major events later this season.
