As the international badminton calendar enters a critical phase, India’s leading shuttlers will look to build momentum at the Australian Open Super 500 in Sydney, scheduled from June 9 to 14. With valuable ranking points and confidence on the line, the tournament presents an important opportunity for several Indian players, headlined by two time Olympic medallist P. V. Sindhu, who continues her pursuit of a long awaited title on the BWF World Tour.
The Australian Open has traditionally served as one of the key events in the Oceania leg of the badminton season, attracting many of the world’s top players. This year’s edition arrives at a crucial juncture, with athletes seeking to improve their world rankings and establish consistency ahead of a packed second half of the 2026 campaign.
For India, much of the spotlight will once again fall on Sindhu. The former world champion and one of the most decorated athletes in Indian sporting history enters the tournament as the third seed. While she has shown encouraging signs throughout the season, including a semifinal appearance at the Malaysia Open earlier this year, a title has remained elusive.
Sindhu’s last BWF World Tour triumph came at the Syed Modi International in 2024. Since then, she has frequently reached the latter stages of tournaments but has struggled to convert those opportunities into trophies. The Australian Open therefore represents a valuable chance for the 30 year old to end that drought and reinforce her status among the world’s elite players.
The Indian star begins her campaign against Peru’s Ines Lucia Castillo in the opening round. On paper, Sindhu enters the match as the favourite, but the depth of the women’s singles draw means every contest could prove challenging. Should she progress, she may face fellow Indian Isharani Baruah in the second round, setting up an intriguing all Indian encounter.
The road ahead is far from straightforward. Former world number one Akane Yamaguchi of Japan is projected as a potential semifinal opponent, while Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong could await in the championship match. Both players have enjoyed strong seasons and are among the most consistent performers on the women’s circuit.
Beyond Sindhu, India’s women’s singles contingent reflects the growing depth of talent within the country. Rising stars Tanvi Sharma, Malvika Bansod, Aakarshi Kashyap, Tanya Hemanth and Isharani Baruah will all compete in the main draw. Their participation offers an opportunity to gain valuable experience against higher ranked international opponents while collecting important ranking points.
Particular attention will be on Tanvi Sharma, who has emerged as one of India’s brightest young prospects in recent seasons. Malvika Bansod and Aakarshi Kashyap have also delivered notable performances on the international circuit and will be aiming to make deep runs in Sydney.
India’s men’s singles hopes rest with Kiran George and Tharun Mannepalli. George has steadily climbed the rankings through consistent performances on the BWF circuit and will be looking to translate that progress into a breakthrough result at the Super 500 level. Tharun Mannepalli, another promising youngster, has shown flashes of potential and will view the tournament as a significant test against top quality opposition.
In men’s doubles, the experienced pairing of Hariharan Amsakarunan and M. R. Arjun enters the competition with growing confidence. The duo has produced several encouraging performances this season and will be targeting their maiden Super 500 title together. With doubles badminton becoming increasingly competitive globally, a strong showing in Sydney would mark a major achievement for the pair.
India will also have representation in mixed doubles through Dhruv Rawat and K. Maneesha, along with Mohit Jaglan and Lakshita Jaglan. While both pairs enter as outsiders, the event provides a valuable platform to gain exposure against established international combinations.
The tournament schedule begins with the opening rounds on June 9 and 10, followed by the Round of 16 on June 11. Quarterfinals will take place on June 12, semifinals on June 13, and the finals on June 14. Fans in India will be able to follow the action through live streaming on the official BWF YouTube channel during the early rounds. Coverage of the latter stages will also be available on JioHotstar.
With the race for rankings intensifying and several major tournaments still to come this season, the Australian Open represents more than just another stop on the World Tour. For Sindhu, it offers an opportunity to reclaim the winner’s circle. For India’s emerging stars, it is a chance to announce themselves on one of badminton’s biggest stages. As competition begins in Sydney, Indian badminton will be hoping for a week that delivers both progress and podium finishes.
Indian squad for the Australian Open 2026
Men’s singles (Main Draw): Tharun Mannepalli, Kiran George
Women’s singles (Main Draw): P. V. Sindhu, Tanvi Sharma, Malvika Bansod, Aakarshi Kashyap, Tanya Hemanth, Isharani Baruah
Men’s doubles (Main Draw): Hariharan Amsakarunan / M. R. Arjun, A Rao Doddavarapu / Pochana Arjun Reddy
Mixed doubles (Main Draw): Dhruv Rawat / K Maneesha, Mohit Jaglan /Lakshita Jaglan
Australian Open 2026 badminton schedule
June 9-10: First round
June 11: Round of 16
June 12: Quarterfinals
June 13: Semifinals
June 14: Finals
