P.V. Sindhu battled through a tense opening-round contest while Ayush Shetty produced one of the standout wins of the day as India experienced mixed fortunes at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 in Ningbo, China, on Wednesday.
Returning to competitive action after more than two months, two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu was pushed hard before overcoming Malaysia’s Wong Ling Ching in three games. After dropping the opening game 15-21, the Indian star responded strongly to claim the next two 21-11, 21-19 and seal victory in one hour and seven minutes.
Sindhu now faces an even sterner challenge in the round of 16, where she will meet second-seeded Chinese ace Wang Zhi Yi, a two-time champion, with a quarterfinal place at stake.
The biggest Indian highlight of the day came in men’s singles, where Ayush Shetty delivered a major upset. The youngster stunned World No. 7 and reigning bronze medallist Li Shi Feng of China in straight games, winning 21-13, 21-16 in an impressive 51-minute display.
Ayush controlled the match with authority against the higher-ranked opponent and will next face Chi Yu Jen of Chinese Taipei in the pre-quarterfinals.
H.S. Prannoy also made a winning return to form. The experienced shuttler registered his first victory since the India Open in January by defeating Vietnam’s Nguyen Hai Dang 24-22, 21-12 in 47 minutes. Prannoy now advances to face China’s Weng Hong Yang in the second round.
However, it was a disappointing day for Lakshya Sen, who bowed out in the opening round. The Indian suffered a straight-game defeat to Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu, losing 12-21, 19-21.
Kidambi Srikanth also exited early despite taking the first game against Singapore’s former world champion Loh Kean Yew. Srikanth eventually lost 21-18, 9-21, 11-21 after his opponent mounted a strong comeback.
In women’s singles, Malvika Bansod and Tanvi Sharma both crashed out after losing their respective matches in straight games.
There was better news for Unnati Hooda, who showed tremendous resilience in a marathon battle against Malaysia’s Supanida Katethong. After narrowly losing the first game 23-25, Hooda bounced back brilliantly to take the next two 21-8, 21-18 and secure victory in one hour and 12 minutes.
In doubles action, Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra advanced in women’s doubles with a hard-fought three-game win, while several other Indian pairs exited in the opening round.
Overall, India’s campaign saw a blend of breakthrough performances, gritty comebacks and disappointing exits as the championships moved into the next stage.
