Daijiworld Media Network - Suwon

Suwon (Korea), Sep 22: With India’s top doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty sitting out the Korea Open Super 500, all eyes now turn to the country’s singles players as they gear up to make an impact in Suwon. H.S. Prannoy, known for his gritty performances and never-say-die attitude, leads the charge. Despite a string of early exits this season, the 32-year-old remains a potent force, regularly taking matches to the wire and notching key wins, including over China’s Lu Guang Zu. His recent battles against Lakshya Sen and Anders Antonsen — though narrowly lost — have shown he still has what it takes to push the best.

Alongside him, Ayush Shetty steps in as the most exciting new face in Indian badminton. The 22-year-old has been on a breakout run since claiming the US Open title earlier this season — the only BWF title by an Indian so far this year. Wins over the likes of Kodai Naraoka, Chou Tien Chen, Brian Yang, Kidambi Srikanth, Loh Kean Yew, and Rasmus Gemke have propelled him into the spotlight. He kicks off his campaign against Su Li Yang of Chinese Taipei, aiming to continue his upward trajectory.

Adding to India’s singles lineup is Kiran George, who faces a stern test in his opener against fifth seed Loh Kean Yew of Singapore. On the women’s side, 19-year-old Anupama Upadhyaya will be looking to punch above her weight as she takes on Indonesia’s fourth seed Putri Kusuma Wardani.

In the absence of India’s star doubles pair, the mixed team of Mohit and Lakshita Jaglan will carry the baton in the doubles draw, beginning their campaign against Japan’s Yuichi Shimogami and Sayaka Hobara. With singles in the spotlight and a field full of challenges, India’s campaign in Korea promises both tests and opportunities.