India endured a mixed Day 2 at the BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi, finishing with three victories and three defeats from six matches. Lakshya Sen pulled off a commendable comeback in the men’s singles, while debutant Unnati Hooda began her campaign with a composed straight-games win. Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand also advanced in women’s doubles, but three Indian combinations bowed out after competitive battles.
Lakshya Sen Completes Stunning Comeback
Lakshya Sen recovered from a slow start against Austria’s Collins Valentine Filimon in the men’s singles Round of 64. After losing the opening game 16-21, the Indian responded emphatically, taking the second 21-8 before dominating the decider 21-4.
The comeback sends Sen into the Round of 32 and keeps his hopes alive on home soil. The former World Championships bronze medallist showed increasing control as the match progressed, particularly in the deciding game.
Unnati Hooda Wins On World Championships Debut
Unnati Hooda marked her World Championships debut with a 22-20, 21-16 victory over Myanmar’s Thet Htar Thuzar in the women’s singles Round of 64.
The teenager had to negotiate a closely fought opening game before finding greater control late in the contest. She maintained that momentum in the second game to secure her place in the Round of 32. Hooda will next face 13th seed Michelle Li of Canada.
Treesa-Gayatri Advance In Straight Games
Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand continued India’s strong showing in women’s doubles, defeating USA’s Lauren Lam and Allison Lee 21-15, 21-12 in the Round of 32.
The Indian pair established an early advantage and maintained control throughout, sealing the contest without dropping a game.
India also suffered three exits. Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi lost 7-21, 14-21 to Bulgaria’s Stoeva sisters. Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde went down 22-20, 19-21, 17-21 to Canada’s Lai pair, while Ashith Surya and Amrutha Pramuthesh lost a marathon clash 21-16, 29-30, 22-24 to Turkey.
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