In a display of masterful control, India’s badminton stalwarts HS Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth overcame spirited young opponents to book their places in the second round of India Open 2026. The straight-sets and decider triumphs set the tone for an enthralling championship.
Prannoy overwhelmed 20-year-old qualifier Devansh Mehta 21-12, 21-15, leveraging superior shuttle control and aggressive third shots. The world-ranked ace barely broke sweat, signaling ominous form for rivals. ‘Youth brings fire; we bring ice,’ he quipped.
Srikanth’s path was grittier, toppling 19-year-old Tanmay Garg 22-20, 17-21, 21-18 in a 48-minute grinder. Clutch play in crunch moments, including a diving save turned smash, swung the third game. Post-win, Srikanth highlighted team support’s role in his resurgence.
The prestigious Super 750 spectacle in the capital features 32 nations, amplifying stakes. Prannoy’s streak continues his 2025 revival, post-injury. Srikanth, blending power with finesse, recalls his peak-era magic. Both face sterner tests ahead, potentially against Indonesians or Chinese.
India’s campaign impresses overall, with multiple seeds intact. Organizers report record attendance, spurred by free entry initiatives. As Paris Olympics qualifiers loom, these performances calibrate strategies. India Open 2026 isn’t just a tournament—it’s a proving ground for legacies.