The attention of the badminton world shifts to Horsens, Denmark as the finals of the BWF Thomas & Uber Cup 2026 begin from April 24. With 16 teams competing in both men’s and women’s events, the tournament promises high-intensity team battles, with India entering the competition with a mix of experience and youth.
For Indian fans, the focus will be firmly on how the men’s team will build on their historic Thomas Cup triumph in 2022, while the women’s side look set to punch above their weight despite an inexperienced squad. With a settled core and the arrival of new talent, there is cautious optimism about India’s chances this year.
The Indians found themselves in a tough group alongside defending champions China, Canada and Australia. Meanwhile, the women’s team, led by PV Sindhu, will have to go through a tough pool with China, Denmark and Ukraine.
However, a lot of noise surrounds Ayush Shetty. The 20-year-old has quickly emerged as one of India’s most exciting prospects after a silver-medal run at the Badminton Asian Championships, a campaign that included defeating world number one Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the semi-finals. This performance only added to the expectations, Shetty is now seen as a key figure in India’s Thomas Cup.
WHO ARE INDIANS TO WATCH OUT FOR?
India’s campaign will largely revolve around a mix of proven stars and emerging talent. In the men’s team, Lakshya Sen comes in strong form while the rise of Ayush Shetty has added a new edge to the singles line-up.
The doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will be key especially after returning from injury. Experienced names like Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy provide depth, though consistency remains an issue.
On the women’s side, Sindhu will bear the biggest responsibility as the leading singles player. Alongside her, youngsters like Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma and Devika Sihag will get valuable exposure at the highest level.
Indian Men’s Team: Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, Kiran George, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Hariharan Amsakarunan, MR Arjun, Dhruv Kapila
Indian Women’s Team: PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, Devika Sihag, Isharani Baruah, Shruti Mishra, Priya Konjengbam, Kavipriya Selvam, Simran Singhi, Tanisha Crasto
WHAT IS THE THOMAS AND UBER CUP FORMAT?
Both tournaments are attended by 16 teams divided into four groups of four. Each group stage tie consists of five matches, including three singles and two doubles, and all matches are played regardless of the overall result.
The top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals. From there, the format shifts to a knockout system where the tie ends once one team wins three matches.
WHEN DOES THE THOMAS AND UBER CUP START?
The 2026 Thomas and Uber Cup Finals will run from April 24 to May 3 in Horsens, Denmark.
- April 24-28: Uber Cup group stage
- April 24-29: Thomas Cup Group Stage
- April 30: Uber Cup quarter-finals
- May 1: Thomas Cup quarter-finals
- May 2: Semi-finals
- May 3: Finals
WHERE TO WATCH THOMAS AND UBER CUP IN INDIA
Fans in India can watch the tournament live on the Olympic Channel via Olympics.com and the official Olympics app. Matches will also be available on the BWF YouTube channel and select TV stations depending on regional availability.
With a strong combination of experience and youth, India will look to make a deep run, especially in the Thomas Cup, where the likes of Ayush Shetty could play a decisive role in shaping the campaign.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
23 Apr 2026 12:06 IST
