India's Badminton squad for the 2025 Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships has been officially announced, with star players PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen leading the charge. The tournament will take place in Qingdao, China, from February 11-16, 2025, and India is determined to improve upon their performance from the previous edition.
In the 2023 championships, held in Dubai, India won a bronze medal, a historic achievement for the nation. However, with renewed focus and a strong team lineup, India is aiming for a higher finish this time around. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has selected a robust 14-member squad that includes some of the top names in Indian badminton. The squad comprises a mix of experienced campaigners and rising stars, all set to give their best and challenge for the top honors.
The men’s team will feature renowned players such as Lakshya Sen, who made it to the semi-finals of the Paris Olympics, and HS Prannoy, a seasoned international player. Additionally, the men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will also be key players for India, alongside the promising Dhruv Kapila and MR Arjun.
On the women’s side, two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu will once again spearhead the team, aiming to lead her squad to a podium finish. Sindhu’s wealth of experience and success on the world stage will be crucial in guiding the team through the competition. Alongside Sindhu, young talent like Malvika Bansod and Gayatri Gopichand will have key roles to play. The women’s doubles pairs will feature Treesa Jolly and Ashwini Ponnappa, as well as Tanisha Crasto, who will team up with Dhruv Kapila in the mixed doubles category. The second mixed doubles team will be represented by Sathish Kumar K and Adya Variyath.
In an official statement, Badminton Association of India’s Secretary General Sanjay Mishra expressed confidence in the team’s capabilities: "The Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships is a prestigious event where the depth and quality of teams are truly tested. We did well by winning the bronze medal two years ago, but our goal this year is to make it to the finals. Once there, we believe we have a strong chance, and we will go all out to achieve success."
With a strong mix of singles and doubles players, both male and female, and an emphasis on a solid strategy for mixed doubles, India is preparing to face some tough competition in the tournament. The squad's goal is not only to reach the finals but also to come back with a medal of a higher color this time.
The 2025 Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships promises to be a thrilling event, and with players like PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen leading the way, India is eager to showcase their badminton prowess on the international stage. The tournament will serve as an excellent opportunity for Indian players to sharpen their skills and make their mark on the continental badminton circuit.
