The Indian men’s and women’s badminton teams have been handed out tough draws in the Thomas and Uber Cups, respectively as the Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced the same on March 18, Wednesday. The 34th edition of the Thomas Cup and the 31st edition of the Uber Cup will be hosted by Horsens, Denmark from April 24 to May 3.
Indian men’s side won their first-ever title in 2022
The Indian men’s side, which etched its name in history by winning their ever first-ever title in 2022, have been clubbed alongside defending champions China, Canada and Australia. China had beaten Indonesia in the final and eliminated India by defeating them in the quarter-finals of the previous edition in 2024.
As far as Uber Cup’s draw go, the Indian women’s team are also grouped with China, with Denmark and China the other two teams in the side. South Korea were the defending champions in the Uber Cup 2024 but went down to Indonesia in the semi-finals. Like the men’s edition, China yet again beat Indonesia to lift the coveted trophy. China also have a formidable line-up in their men’s team as the likes of Shi Yu Qi (world No. 2) and Li Shi Feng (No. 7) will compete.
Get ready for fireworks! 🎇
India will take on China, Canada, and Australia in the 2026 BWF Thomas Cup in Horsens, Denmark! pic.twitter.com/LolrnHd9z1
— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) March 18, 2026
Weng Hong Yang, ranked No.17 and Lu Guang Zu, ranked No.18 are also part of the side. Nevertheless, India will be boosted by Lakshya Sen’s red-hot recent form that culminated in the 24-year-old reaching the final of the All England Open Badminton Championships.
Thomas Cup 2026 draw:
Group A: China, India, Canada, Australia.
Group B: Japan, Malaysia, England, Finland.
Group C: Chinese Taipei, Denmark, Korea, Sweden.
Group D: Indonesia, France, Thailand, Algeria.
Uber Cup 2026 draw:
Group A: China, India, Denmark, Ukraine.
Group B: Japan, Malaysia, Turkey, South Africa.
Group C: Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Canada, Australia.
Group D: Korea, Thailand, Bulgaria, Spain.
What is the format of Thomas and Uber Cup?
The group stage will take place in a round-robin format, with each tie comprising five games (three singles and two doubles). The top two sides from each of the four groups will advance to the quarter-finals, with semi-finals and the decider to follow.
