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India’s Trisa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand created a big upset in the Badminton World Championships. The 39th seeded Indian pair defeated seventh seeds Rin Iwanaga and Ki Nakanishi of Japan 21-16, 21-12 to reach the quarter-finals.

Badminton World Championship: India’s Trisa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand have performed brilliantly and reached the quarter-finals of women’s doubles in the ongoing 2026 Badminton World Championship in New Delhi. The 39th seeded Indian pair caused a major upset by defeating seventh seeds Rin Iwanaga and Ki Nakanishi of Japan in straight games in the pre-quarterfinals. This victory of the Indian pair has further strengthened India’s medal hopes in the tournament.

Defeated Japan’s strong pair in straight games

In the match played at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Trisa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand showed aggressive play from the beginning. The Indian pair maintained constant pressure on Japan’s seventh seeds Rin Iwanaga and Ki Nakanishi and won the first game 21-16.

Indian players maintained their rhythm in the second game also. The Japanese pair tried to make a comeback, but Trisa and Gayatri showed better control at crucial junctures. The Indian pair won the second game 21-12 and won the match. In this way, the 39th seed Indian pair entered the quarter-finals by defeating the seventh seeded Japanese team 21-16, 21-12.

There was an easy victory in the round of 32 also

The Trisa-Gayatri pair has consistently performed impressively as they reached the quarter-finals. In the round of 32, they faced 16th seeded Lauren Lamm and Allison Lee of America.

The Indian pair showed excellent coordination in that match also and defeated the American players 21-15, 21-12 in straight games. By defeating stronger seeded pairs in two consecutive matches, Trisa and Gayatri have strengthened their claim in the women’s doubles category.

Indian pair now eyeing medal

The win against the seventh seeded pair of Japan is also important for the Indian team because Trisa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand have entered the tournament with the 39th seed. Despite this, they have consistently performed brilliantly under pressure against better ranked pairs.

After reaching the quarter-finals, the Indian pair now has a chance to move ahead in the medal race. Even a small mistake can prove costly in knockout matches on a big stage like the World Championship. In such a situation, patience, fitness and strategic play will be important for Trisa and Gayatri in the next match also.

PV Sindhu also in the race for last-8

In women’s singles, India’s star player PV Sindhu will also play the pre-quarterfinal match. Two-time Olympic medalist Sindhu will face China’s Wang Xi Yi.

Sindhu had made it to the last-16 by defeating Canada’s Wen Yu Zhang 21-16, 21-17 in the round of 32. Now they face the challenge of a strong player from China. This match will also be special for the Indian fans, as Sindhu is once again expected to make a deep lead in the World Championships.

Sindhu’s experience can prove important for India in big matches. However, against Wang Xi Yi, he will have to come on the court with his best strategy and aggressive game.

Ayush Shetty also created expectations

In men’s singles, India’s young player Ayush Shetty will also challenge in the round of 16. He will face Alvi Farhan of Indonesia.

Ayush had defeated Damindu Abiwickrama of Sri Lanka 21-8, 21-10 in the previous round. Earlier, he had created a big upset by defeating world number-1 and current champion Xi Yu Chi of China.

The win against Xi Yu Chi has boosted Ayush’s confidence. Now his effort will be to reach the quarter-finals by defeating the Indonesian player.

Satvik-Chirag also faces a big challenge

In men’s doubles, India’s star pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will also contest the last-16. They will face Junaidi Arif and Roy King Yap of Malaysia.

Satwik and Chirag had got a walkover in the previous round against Scotland’s Alexander Dunne and Adam Pringle. In such a situation, the Indian pair will have to regain competitive rhythm in the next match after a long break.

Satwik-Chirag have been among the top men’s doubles players in world badminton and India has high hopes of a medal from them. Both their aggressive style, sharp smashes and court coverage make them dangerous against any opponent.

Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto also in the fray

In mixed doubles, the pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto will face China’s Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui. The Indian pair had defeated Macau’s Leong Lok Chong and An Weng Chi 21-11, 21-11 in the previous match.

Dhruv and Tanisha maintained control in that match from the beginning and did not give much chance to the opposition pair to make a comeback. Now they will face a tough challenge against the Chinese pair.

India’s medal hopes strong

As India reaches the knockout round of the World Championship, India’s medal hopes hinge on the performance of many players and pairs. The victory of Trisa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand has especially boosted the enthusiasm in women’s doubles.

From India, players like Sindhu, Ayush Shetty, Satwik-Chirag and Dhruv-Tanisha are also trying to progress in their respective categories. Their performance in the next round of the tournament will decide in how many categories India can reach the medal race.

The World Championship held in New Delhi is also giving the Indian players the added advantage of playing in front of the home crowd. Now all eyes are on the rest of the Indian players including Trisa-Gayatri, who will enter the next round with the intention of strengthening their challenge further.