BWF World Championships 2025: Lakshya Sen crashes out in opening round, India's WD campaign over

India’s hopes for medals at BWF World Championship 2025 are now pinned on PV Sindhu, HS Prannoy and Satwik-Chirag.

India’s campaign at the BWF World Championships 2025 got off to a disappointing start on Day 1 in Paris as the nation’s biggest hope for a medal in men’s, Lakshya Sen, crashed out. India’s challenge in women’s doubles also came to an end, with both participating pairs exiting after straight-games defeats.

Sen, a bronze medallist in the competition in 2021, faced a mountain in the opening round — World No. 1 Shi Yuqi of China. From the very first serve, it was clear this would be no ordinary match.

Sen fought hard and brave, defending and countering Yuqi’s deceptive smashes and fast attacks, but lost the opening game 17-21. The second game started in favour of the Indian early, but the Chinese star bounced back quickly to level the game at 5-5.

At one point the score was 19-all. However, eventually despite the efforts Sen lost the second game 21–19, ending his campaign in the men’s singles draw. With his exit, HS Prannoy now carries India’s hopes in the event.

Also Read: HS Prannoy’s projected path to BWF World Championships 2025 final

Speaking of India’s women’s doubles contingent, they folded on the opening day itself. Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra (World No. 39) were defeated by local favourites Camille Pognante and Margot Lambert 17–21, 16–21.

Meanwhile, sisters Rutaparna and Swetaparna Panda (World No. 38) lost to Bulgaria’s Gabriela and Stefani Stoeva 12–21, 11–21, ending India’s women’s doubles campaign.

Also Read: PV Sindhu’s projected path to BWF World Championships 2025 final

Looking ahead, India will rely on the two time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu in women’s singles, HS Prannoy in men’s singles, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in men’s doubles.

In mixed doubles, all eyes will be on Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila in to keep the country’s streak of returning with atleast one medal since 2011 alive.

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