Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and the dynamic duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are set to spearhead the Indian challenge at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Qingdao, China, from February 3-8. This formidable squad will represent India at the prestigious tournament.

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has emphasized a strategic approach to team selection, prioritizing world rankings and current player form. This decision underscores the importance of experience and recent performance in building a strong and competitive team. The team also includes HS Prannoy and Malvika Bansod as the second singles players for the men's and women's teams, respectively.

In addition to the seasoned players, the team features a blend of experience and youth. The women's doubles pairing will be chosen from either Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly or Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto. Tanisha Crasto will also team up with Dhruv Kapila in the mixed doubles category, while Sathish Kumar K and Adya Variyath will form the second mixed doubles team.

BAI Secretary General Sanjay Mishra has expressed confidence in the team's potential, stating that the goal is to reach the finals, surpassing their bronze medal win from the previous edition in Dubai in 2023.

PV Sindhu's return to the team is a significant boost, especially after recovering from a knee injury sustained in October 2023, which sidelined her for the remainder of the year. Her experience and skill will be crucial for India's chances in the tournament. Lakshya Sen, another key player, will also be instrumental in the men's singles. The in-form Satwik-Chirag duo will lead the charge in men's doubles, bringing their exceptional teamwork and recent successes to the court.

The selected squad reflects a strategic mix of established stars and promising talent, poised to make a significant impact at the Badminton Asia Team Championships. This tournament is not only a battle for supremacy in Asian badminton but also an opportunity for players to gain valuable qualification points for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Indian Squad:

• Men: Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Dhruv Kapila, MR Arjun, Sathish Kumar K
• Women: PV Sindhu, Malvika Bansod, Gayatri Gopichand, Treesa Jolly, Ashwini Ponnappa, Tanisha Crasto, Adya Variyath