India Open 2026: Star-studded line up as Vitidsarn and Shi Yu Qi competing

Just days after the Petronas Malaysia Open 2026 concluded, India Open 2026 in India, is the next big thing to watch for the badminton fans around the globe

India Open 2026, officially titled the YONEX-SUNRISE India Open 2026, is being held in New Delhi and features a strong line-up of elite players, including recent Malaysia Open 2026 champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn and his beaten finalist Shi Yu Qi.

Petronas Malaysia Open 2026: Massive upsets for the host

India Open 2026 – Venue, Prize Money and Schedule

The YONEX-SUNRISE India Open 2026 is currently underway and continues to underline its status as one of the most important stops on the BWF World Tour early in the season.

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Taking place from 13 to 18 January 2026 at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi, this year’s tournament carries Super 750 status, with a total prize purse of USD 950,000, attracting almost the full spectrum of the world’s top-ranked players.

Malaysia Open 2026 – A star-studded event to open the year

The India Open comes just days after the conclusion of the Malaysia Open 2026, a tournament that ended in disappointment for the hosts, who finished the event without a title.

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New Delhi – a familiar destination for elite badminton

The Indira Gandhi Sports Complex has long been regarded as a stronghold of Indian badminton, regularly hosting high-intensity matches in a uniquely passionate atmosphere.

A heavyweight men’s singles field at India Open 2026

Men’s singles remains the focal point of the tournament, with 34 players in the main draw, featuring almost the entire elite tier of world badminton.

Top seed Shi Yu Qi of China, the reigning world No.1 and India Open champion in 2018 and 2024, headlines the field. Armed with an all-round game, precise shuttle control, and proven big-match temperament, Shi is once again regarded as the leading title contender.

Close behind is Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand, the second seed and 2023 champion, and also the newly-crowned champion of the Malaysia Open 2026.

The young Thai star is entering the prime of his career, combining relentless defence, sharp anticipation and growing mental resilience at the highest level.

Third seed Jonatan Christie of Indonesia and fourth seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei add further experience and tactical depth, both known for their ability to grind out long, physically demanding encounters.

One of the most intriguing entries is Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia. Unseeded but far from underestimated, Lee remains a major wildcard. If fully fit, he possesses the firepower to trouble any opponent in the draw.

Lee Zii Jia will be looking for a fresh start after a disappointing home outing at the Malaysia Open 2026.

The court is further strengthened by the presence of Alex Lanier, Christo Popov (France), Kodai Naraoka (Japan), Loh Kean Yew (Singapore), and Lakshya Sen, the 2022 India Open champion.

Sen’s participation is particularly significant as he competes on home soil, where he has previously delivered emotionally charged victories.

India – depth, numbers and ambition

India Open 2026 features a sizeable contingent of home players, both in the main draw and reserve list. Alongside Lakshya Sen, local fans will be watching Prannoy H.S., Kidambi Srikanth — the 2015 champion — as well as emerging talents such as Ayush Shetty and Tharun Mannepalli.

India, long regarded as one of badminton’s modern powerhouses, will be all-in at the first major home tournament of the 2026 season.

This depth reflects not only the country’s expanding talent pool but also its ambition to maintain its status as one of the sport’s rising global forces.

Notable withdrawals as former World’s No.1 Viktor Axelsen, back down

Despite the strength of the field, several high-profile players have withdrawn. Chief among them is Viktor Axelsen, the India Open champion in 2017, 2019, and 2025, alongside Anders Antonsen and Li Shi Feng. While their absence slightly alters the competitive balance in certain sections of the draw, it also opens doors for younger players and those outside the top 10 to make deep runs.

More than prize money

With a total prize purse of USD 950,000, the India Open 2026 offers more than financial rewards. The tournament carries significant ranking points, directly influencing world standings and qualification prospects for major events later in the year. More importantly, it provides a platform for players to assert their status, test tactical adjustments and lay foundations for a demanding 2026 season ahead.

As world badminton enters a clear phase of generational transition, the YONEX-SUNRISE India Open 2026 promises to be not just a title race, but a revealing showcase of the sport’s evolving trends at the highest level.