Group Stage Challenge Includes Indonesia, Denmark, and England; Action Kicks Off April 27
With eyes set on a podium finish, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) has unveiled a well-balanced 14-player squad for the 2025 BWF Sudirman Cup Finals, taking place in Xiamen, China from April 27 to May 4.
The team features a powerhouse lineup including two-time Olympic medalist and world champion PV Sindhu, top men’s singles stars Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy, and the dynamic doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. India has been placed in Group D alongside badminton heavyweights Indonesia, Denmark, and England.
India secured qualification for this prestigious mixed team tournament through its global rankings and now aims to progress beyond the group stages — and possibly make history.
“We’ve put together the strongest possible squad across all five categories, even with a few injury concerns. This team is no longer reliant on just one or two events — we have depth across the board. We believe this group is capable of making a deep run and winning a medal,” said BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra.
Team spirits are high after a promising showing at the recent Badminton Asia Championships. PV Sindhu looked sharp with some much-needed match play, while the mixed doubles team of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto impressed with a quarterfinal finish.
Men’s singles aces Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy, both proven team performers, will lead the charge in their category. Meanwhile, Satwik and Chirag — ranked world No. 10 — are set to return to competition following injury layoffs, with Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi ready as backups.
On the women’s side, rising star Anupama Upadhyaya (currently ranked 45 in the world) joins Sindhu in singles action. In women’s doubles, young duo Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra have been brought in as replacements for the injured Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly. Aadya Variyath also joins the squad as a promising addition.
Full Squad for 2025 Sudirman Cup:
Men: Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Hariharan Amsakarunan, Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi, Dhruv Kapila, Sathish Kumar Karunakaran
Women: PV Sindhu, Anupama Upadhyaya, Tanisha Crasto, Priya Konjengbam, Shruti Mishra, Aadya Variyath